AN annual toy appeal is returning to Halton, with a call being made for residents to donate to disadvantaged children.

Merseyflow and Merseylink, the consortium responsible for the operation of Mersey Gateway Bridge, have kickstarted this appeal with a donation of brand-new toys worth an estimated £4,000.

Merseyflow has also agreed for its walk-in centre in Manor Park, Runcorn, to be used as a drop-off point for toys and Christmas presents which will go to those most in need.

This will be the fifth year that Merseyflow has supported Halton Children’s Centres over the festive season.

“We are always overwhelmed by the generosity of our staff and customers, and we have made a fantastic start to this year’s Christmas toy appeal, but there’s still more to do,” said Helen Williams, a marketing manager at Merseyflow.

“We would like to encourage anyone who is able to give something back this festive season to join us in supporting the local community in Halton and the surrounding areas.”

Denise Caldwell, an early help officer at Runcorn Children’s Centres, added: “We would like to give special thanks to Merseyflow and Merseylink for their generous donations.

“Every toy and gift donated is greatly appreciated and will be given to local children here in Halton this Christmas.”

Residents who wish to donate to this worthy cause are asked to provide new and unopened toys and gifts.

These should be dropped off at the walk-in centre by no later than Monday, December 11. The deadline for receiving these donations has been set at 7pm that day.