MORE than 60 sacks were filled with toys to give to disadvantaged children in Halton this Christmas.

A successful toy appeal for the borough saw hundreds of unopened gifts arrive at Mersey Flow’s walk-in centre in Manor Park.

The toys will be sent to families in the most deprived areas of Halton to ensure as many children as possible have a present to open on Christmas morning.

Merseyflow and Merseylink kickstarted the appeal with a donation of brand-new toys worth £4,000.

A further £250 of toys and gifts were donated by Merseylink’s financial advisor Avison Young, with another nine bags of toys provided by CMS Breast Screening and additional donations from Mersey Gateway Crossings Board.

Helen Williams, Marketing Manager at merseyflow, said: “We are always overwhelmed by the generosity of our staff and customers, and this year’s toy appeal is no exception.

“People really have gone above and beyond to make sure every child in Halton has a gift to open on Christmas morning.

“The Halton Children’s Centres Christmas Toy Appeal is a cause that is particularly close to our hearts and we’re proud to support the fantastic work it does for families in Halton for a fifth year.”

Hugh O’Connor, General Manager of the Merseylink Consortium, said: “We’ve supported Halton Children’s Centres appeal for several years now and are delighted we’re able to contribute again to this wonderful cause.

“Thank you to everyone who donated, the response this year really has shown what a supportive and kind-hearted community we have here in Halton.”

Denise Caldwell, Early Help Officer at Runcorn Children’s Centres, added that each year the response to the Christmas Toy Appeal ‘continues to amaze’ the centre.

“I think this is our most successful one yet,” she said. “We’d like to thank everyone who has taken the time and effort to donate, as well as merseyflow and Merseylink for their generous contribution and continued support.

“Every toy and gift donated will be given directly to kids in the local community here in Halton and can really make a big difference to each family this holiday.”