The Salvation Army is encouraging Maldon residents to come together and help people in need with the launch of its annual Christmas appeal, which begins next week in the town.

Councillor David Ogg, the town mayor, will be joined by community champions from two Maldon supermarkets and church leaders Lieutenant Jonathan Doyle and Captain Caron Doyle to launch the appeal at the Salvation Army Hall on Wantz Road next Wednesday (10 November).

Anyone interested in donating is invited to bring new and unused gifts to the hall from that date.

Caron said: "We're looking for new and unused gifts - think about the gift you would want to give to your child or niece.

"Sometimes, we are short of gifts for babies and older teenagers.

"We also look at what we can offer the whole family and work with the Moat Foundation who supply us with craft packs we can give out with gifts."

Caron said she was delighted to see the town come together to help people in need, and praised residents for supporting the appeal since 2019 - when the couple first arrived in Maldon.

She said: "We always get brilliant support and last year the donations from businesses were incredibly generous.

"We've never been short of toys.

"People in Maldon are so kind and for that we are truly blessed.

"While we are doing more and doing things better, more families need support than ever this year."

Caron and Jonathan also send out family treat packs full of goodies - including popcorn and Christmas cake - and work with the Maldon Food Pantry to send parcels to families in need to tackle holiday hunger.

The Salvation Army works throughout the year to support the community, but Caron explained why Christmas is particularly important.

She said: "As Christians, we believe in the Bible and that everybody should be able to experience life in all its fullness.

"Everyone should be able to have the excitement and joy of receiving gifts, treats, and having enough food so as to not have to worry at Christmas when we unite to celebrate Jesus coming to us."

You can donate to the appeal online here.

If you need some inspiration about what to buy, search Maldon District Christmas Present Appeal 2021 at amazon.co.uk.