Merseyflow have raised money and donated toys for disadvantaged children in Halton this Christmas.

In a join effort, staff and customers donated toys and raised £310, which was matched by Merseyflow’s parent company emovis, bringing the total raised to £620, along with two giant boxes of toys.

The money will be used by the Halton Christmas Toy Appeal to buy gifts for hundreds of children from some of Halton’s most deprived areas.

Residents have been busy dropping off toys at Merseyflow’s walk-in centre in Manor Park, Runcorn.

There is still time for anyone who wants to contribute and additional drop-off points can be found at Halton and St Helens VCA in Lugsdale Road in Widnes, Cathie Stankevitch Foundation in Dennis Road in Widnes, Puregym in Widnes, Morrisons in Widnes and Widnes Hall Care Home.

The toys need to be new, unopened, and appropriate for children aged between birth and 18.

The inspirational woman behind the Halton Christmas Toy Appeal is Widnes-based Nicky Woodward.

The self-employed mum of four takes five weeks off work in the run-up to Christmas every year to run the charity, helped during the past four years by the Cathie Stankevitch Foundation in Widnes.

About 300 children have benefited from the Halton Christmas Toy Appeal since it was first launched.

Nicky said: "I’d like to thank everyone at Merseyflow and all the customers who have donated toys and helped us raise this fabulous sum of money.

"It will all go towards making sure local kids right here in Halton get something to celebrate this Christmas."

Helen Williams, marketing manager at Merseyflow, said: "The whole Merseyflow team and lots of our customers have really got behind this appeal.

"It’s wonderful to be able to help Nicky with the amazing work she is doing with the Halton Christmas Toy Appeal."