Generous Oakham shoppers have dug deep and donated presents and stocking fillers to Central England Co-op's first ever toy appeal.

Running throughout November, customers and members donated gifts to the Central England Co-op's first ever Christmas Toybox Appeal at special collection points in Oakham's Braunston Road and Burley Road stores and Co-operative Funeralcare in High Street.

The town's contributions helped bring the total number of gifts collected across the East Midlands to a fantastic 6,000.

Locally-donated presents are all being given to Oakham-based Rutland Foodbank and Rainbows Hospice, in Loughborough, to be distributed to families.

Debbie Robinson, Central England Co-op Chief Executive, said: "On behalf of everyone involved with our society, I want to say a big thank you to every customer, member and colleague who helped make our first ever Christmas Toybox Appeal a major success.

"Kind-hearted people are now going to bring smiles to the faces of thousands of youngsters up and down the country as they wake up on Christmas morning.

"We are so proud of the generosity shown by everyone who has supported this campaign and proud to be involved with some truly inspiring local good causes and charities who work not just at Christmas but all year round to make sure children get great support when they need it most."