St Mary the Virgin Church in Steeple Ashton is one of many giving the Salvation Army Toy Appeal a helping hand by holding a church toy service next Sunday.

People will have the chance to drop off their donations before and after the service, which starts at 10.30am and includes carols, readings and a children’s nativity.

Rosemary Brett-Green, of St Mary’s worship group, said: “We have always done something at Christmas and we have helped with the Salvation Army appeal for the past four or five years.

“The Salvation Army was staggered the first time they came to see how many gifts there were.

“People in the village produce some fantastic things. All the members of the congregation bring things in – it’s wonderful.

“It is an incredible village. People are always very generous. The coffee mornings and fundraising events are always well supported.”

There will also be church toy services at Trowbridge Salvation Army in Trow-bridge next Sunday at 10am and The United Reformed Church, while St Mary’s at Market Lavington will be joining with St Barnabas in Easterton next Sunday at 11am.

Donations can range from toys to games and books, for girls and boys up to 16 years old, but they have to be new and in good condition.

The Trowbridge drop-off points includes Tesco Extra in County Way, The Salvation Army in Castle Street, the management suite of The Shires and The Wiltshire Times in Duke Street.

Donations can also be dropped off at Sainsbury’s in Melksham and Bradford on Avon.

They will be collected by Trowbridge Salvation Army on December 16 and sorted into age and gender. Social services will then pick up the parcels and distribute them to those who are in need the most.