STORAGE firm Smart Storage has teamed up with other businesses and charities to help bring some festive cheer with the launch of its Toy Appeal.

The Broadheath based company says it wants to ensure there are plenty of presents for under privileged and vulnerable children whose Christmas will be made by the appeal.

Last year more than 10,000 toys were donated to the North West area appeal, which has been expanded this year to take in Sale and Altrincham - and organisers are hoping to do even better.

Paul Whittaker, the Smart Storage Toy Appeal organiser, is calling on Messenger readers to back the appeal.

He said: “Last year was amazing, our local communities yet again showed that even in these economically difficult times that they are willing to dig deep to help those less fortunate.

"We are hoping for another fantastic response during this winter’s Smart Storage Toy Appeal especially as we have re-added the Altrincham and Sale to our collections and more importantly distribution area”.

He added “It’s unbelievable that this is the eleventh year and my fifth coordinating one of the North-West's largest toy appeals.

"The appeal’s message is simple, please spare a thought for those children who just would not get a present this Christmas if it wasn’t for this appeal.

"So, when you are out buying for loved ones this year just pick up that extra gift and drop it in to one of the many collection points.”

The appeal team converged on Warrington-based Gulliver’s World, the appeal's latest partner, recently last week along with some of the charities and supporters.

Altrincham FC’s Rocky Robin was on hand along with several other furry friends such as Wolfie from the Warrington Wolves, Gully & Twinkle from Gulliver’s World, Tigeroo from the team at JUMP and Pengi and Bobby from the Children's Adventure Farm Trust.

The charities the appeal is aiming to help this year includes: JUMP, NSPCC and the Children’s Adventure Farm Trust, as well as smaller community charities.

The appeal is also looking for more businesses who would like to support it.

Donated toys ideally need to be new or nearly new and can be dropped off at Smart Storage, on Craven Road, Broadheath; or at the receptions or at home fixtures of Altrincham FC, Altrincham Ladies FC and Sale Rugby FC.

For the latest toy appeal information and any further details contact Paul at pwhittaker@smart-storage.co.uk or follow the appeal on Twitter @smartpaulw