An eleventh-hour plea has been issued as the Christmas Toy Appeal enters its final stage.

Organisers are asking for a last push from the public as the campaign starts to receive the names of children to benefit from the initiative.

The Keighley News has joined forces with the town’s Salvation Army to collect toys for hundreds of needy youngsters who would otherwise receive nothing this Christmas.

The appeal aims to help around 350 children, referred to the charity from such as agencies, family centres and health visitors.

“Names are now coming in from all the agencies and we already have around 100 young people on the list – with many more still to key in!” said Chris Bown, development manager at Keighley Salvation Army.

“We are extremely grateful to everyone who has given so far, but more toys are needed so we would ask people please to help if they can.”

She added that the need this year was greater than ever, with changes to welfare benefits and the introduction of the bedroom tax hitting many low-income families hard.

Donated toys must be new and should be suitable for children and young people – boys and girls – up to the age of 16.

People can also give toiletries, for teenagers, or money if preferred.

Items can be taken, unwrapped, to the Keighley Salvation Army centre in High Street or to Sainsbury’s supermarket, in Cavendish Street, which is also acting as a collection point.