See the incredible gifts collected by Sunderland slimmers on a mission to make sure every child receives a gift this Christmas

Silksworth Slimming World members with their donations.

Louise Thompson, who runs the Slimming World group at North Street Methodist Church in Silksworth, was overwhelmed with the response when she asked members to donate toys to the Salvation Army Toy Appeal.

Over the course of three weeks Slimming World members from three groups donated around 100 toys for children as young as babies to those in their teens.

The presents will now be dropped off at the Salvation Army next week to ensure youngsters receive them on Christmas Day.

Some of the incredible toys collected by Slimming World members in Silksworth.

Louise, 36, from Ryhope, said: “We wanted to support the Salvation Army Toy Appeal as a way to help the community this Christmas as I would hate to think of families going without.

“I didn’t expect the response from members when I asked them if they wanted to take part.

“Everyone got on board with it and have been so generous.

“Members from my three groups my 70 members would bring something every week when they came to get weighed during sessions.

Silksworth Slimming World members have collected around 100 toys for children in need this Christmas.

“The amount of gifts has grown and grown over the weeks and we have around 100 items now for babies right up to teenagers.”

Until mid-December, many Salvation Army churches and centres across the UK are appealing for people to donate new, unwrapped toys and gifts for children who might not otherwise receive a Christmas present.

For more details visit: https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/