The Salvation Army in Trowbridge has widened its Toy Appeal by opening several more drop-off points.

People can now donate toys, gifts and games to Tesco Extra in County Way, Trowbridge, and the Sainsbury’s stores in Bradford on Avon and Melksham.

Trowbridge drop-off points were opened at the Salvation Army in Castle Street and the Wiltshire Times reception in Duke Street last week.

The Wiltshire Times has teamed up with the Toy Appeal once again this year and has already received several bags of donations.

Toys have to be new and in original packaging. They can be suitable for babies to 16-years-olds, boys and girls.

Stephen and Janice Smith, of Warminster, have been members of the Trowbridge Salvation Army since 1987 and have helped with its toy appeal for the last five years.

Mr Smith said: “People are very generous and we are always delighted with the response. It has grown over the years and it has increased since we started working with Wiltshire Times.

“Since its inception, the Salvation Army has been about caring for the disadvantaged in society. This is something we can do on a practical level to feed that.

“I like to picture a smile on children’s’ faces on Christ-mas morning as a result of the gifts.”

The Salvation Army works with Social Services, which indicates which families will benefit from donations, but it welcomes individual appeals from schools and families.

In the week before Christmas, toys will be collected and sorted into age and gender. Social services will pick up the parcels and distribute them.