Oakham shoppers are being urged to dig deep and donate a present or stocking filler to the Co-op's first ever toy appeal.

Central England Co-op is launching the Christmas Toybox Appeal to make sure as many children as possible have a gift to open this festive season.

Running throughout the month of November, customers and members can donate gifts at special collection points in Oakham's Braunston Road and Burley Road stores or the Co-operative Funeralcare in High Street.

Locally-donated gifts will all be 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: "We are a community retailer building on the success of our annual food bank campaigns by making sure that as many children as possible across the country wake up on Christmas morning with a present waiting for them.

"This is why I am delighted to announce our Christmas Toybox Appeal, which we hope will see our customers and members donate thousands of toys and help us all bring a little bit of magic of the festive season to life for youngsters who really don't have a lot.

"We are working with some truly inspiring local good causes and charities who will ensure all of these donations will end up with children who need them most.

"This Christmas please donate a new present and help us give a child a gift they with love."

Donated items have to be new and unwrapped and can include puzzles, games, soft toys, outdoor toys, books, dolls and figures, CDs and DVDs and art materials.