CARING businesses, groups and individuals are rallying round to ensure there will be festive cheer for disadvantaged Keighley children this Christmas.

People are continuing to donate in droves to an annual toy appeal, spearheaded by the town's Salvation Army and backed by the Keighley News.

Chris Bown, community development manager at the church, said this week: "The response has been fantastic.

"The appeal is going really well.

"We've just had a big delivery of toys from Sainsbury's and people are bringing things in here daily.

"The generosity shown by the community has been incredible and we are extremely grateful."

Keighley lift and elevator firm Kone has donated a large number of toys and other presents.

A company spokesman said: "We are incredibly proud of colleagues Rachel Cook and Tom Muir for taking the initiative in organising a collection.

"With the help and support of fellow staff, they managed to collect dozens of wonderful gifts.

"I am sure the items will bring much pleasure this Christmas to those who are less fortunate."

Other firms that have donated goods include Walker Foster Solicitors in Silsden, which has given bagfuls of selection boxes and advent calendars.

Bradford Cinderella Club has donated 350 selection boxes.

And Sovereign Health Care is contributing £1,000.

Both Sainsbury's, in Cavendish Street, Keighley, and the Skipton Building Society, in Kirkgate, Silsden, are acting as collection points for toys.

Items can also be taken to the Salvation Army itself, in High Street, between 10am and 2pm Mondays to Thursdays.

The appeal will benefit up to 350 children, who would otherwise receive no presents on Christmas Day.

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

People are asked not to wrap them.

All the donated gifts will then be sorted, wrapped and distributed to families on December 23.

Children are nominated by Keighley schools, family centres, and agencies dealing with issues such as domestic violence.

Keighley Salvation Army runs a number of services to help townspeople.

It operates a cafe at the church, selling home-cooked food and cakes to the public.

And it offers a hot-meal service on Tuesday evenings to people with no means of cooking their own food.

Anyone wanting further information about the toy appeal can contact Mrs Bown on 01535 603494.