A popular Christmas gift appeal supporting local children and young people is set to return on 1 November.

The North Northumberland Christmas Appeal is a community project coordinated by the office of David Smith MP and powered by volunteers, local businesses and the generosity of people across the area.

From 1 November, anyone who wants to take part can visit an official collection point and pick up a gift tag containing details for a child or young person. They can then buy a suitable gift and return it, unwrapped, to a collection point, ready for volunteers to distribute ahead of Christmas.

The Appeal is also looking for additional businesses and organisations to become collection points in Rothbury and Wooler.

David Smith MP said: “There are many reasons why the festive season can be a particularly difficult time, so every gift collected will go to a child or young person affected by challenging circumstances.

“Too many people have too little, and this is our chance to respond as a community and help where we can.

“Last year, I was overjoyed and humbled to see the office absolutely full to the brim with gifts for local children and young people.

“I hope we see the same response again this year, and I’d like to thank the local businesses and organisations returning for a second year as our wonderful collection points.”

So far, Northern View Berwick, Morpeth Hair and Beauty, Seaside Travel Amble, Specsavers Alnwick, Specsavers Morpeth, Wellway Pharmacy Morpeth, Wellway Pharmacy Pegswood, and Woodhorn Park Care Home have signed up as official collection points.

Gill Stephenson, Manager of Seaside Travel Amble, said: “Christmas is all about giving, and we’re proud to be supporting the appeal again this year. The generosity shown by our customers and community last year was amazing, and we look forward to making a difference together once more.”

Sharon Williams, Superintendent Pharmacist at Wellway Pharmacies, said: “It was so lovely to see the community come together last year, and we ended up inundated with over 50 gifts for children and young people in need.

“We’re delighted to be playing a part again this year and thank the Appeal for its goodwill and the public for their support.”

The Appeal will launch on 1 November, and 30 November is the deadline for donating gifts. Gifts will be collected from participating collection points in the first week of December and distributed before 10 December.

For those who would prefer to take part online, an Amazon wish list will be available through the Christmas Appeal page on David Smith MP’s website from 1 November.

Contact the Appeal and get future updates (here)