A HOUSEBUILDER has added its backing to Keighley Salvation Army this Christmas.

Barratt Developments Yorkshire West is collecting goods for the charity to distribute to those in need over the festive season.

Items will be given to the Salvation Army’s annual toy appeal.

But the firm is also gathering gifts of tinned, non-perishable and dried food, toiletries and new clothes.

“We’re delighted to be working with Keighley Salvation Army this Christmas and to be supporting the incredible work it does across the area,” said Ian Ruthven, managing director of Barratt Developments Yorkshire West.

“The Christmas period is often a lonely and isolating time for many people that these charities support and donations may be the only gift they receive.

“Each item donated will be greatly appreciated by those who need it most, and we hope that with the support of residents we can help to make this a special Christmas for many more people.”

Items are being accepted at the company’s Saxon Dene sales office in Silsden until December 15.

The Salvation Army’s toy appeal aims to ensure several hundred disadvantaged Keighley youngsters get a present this Christmas.

Backing is being provided by the Keighley News, Sainsbury’s supermarket and Argos.

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 21.

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

Toys can be taken to the Salvation Army, in High Street, between 10am and 2pm Mondays to Thursdays; to the Sainsbury’s store, in Cavendish Street, Keighley, or to the Argos outlet in the Airedale Shopping Centre.

Chris Bown, community manager at Keighley Salvation Army, said support for the toy appeal was always outstanding and she added the public was once again getting behind it. “We’ve run the appeal for many years now and the backing from the town is always fantastic,” she added.