A KEIGHLEY-based online toy retailer has helped brighten the lives of seriously-ill children at Christmas.

PoundToy has partnered with the Rays of Sunshine charity to provide gifts for youngsters.

The family firm gave Christmas boxes – each containing items including toys, confectionery, craft goods, slime and science kits – to more than 300 children.

Rays of Sunshine said it was hugely grateful for the support.

The charity grants wishes to youngsters who are seriously ill and offers ongoing support to them in hospital.

Ginnie Maxfield-White, for Rays of Sunshine, said: “We have delivered festive fun to 333 seriously-ill children across the UK, both at home and in hospital.

“This was in place of our usual Christmas parties, which sadly have not been possible this year due to the impact of Covid-19. We held various online, interactive activities over 11 days culminating in a virtual Christmas party.

“PoundToy very kindly put together and delivered ‘Christmas in a Box’ to all the families attending the virtual festive party. This meant they got a bit of seasonal magic delivered to them, which they could enjoy from home while engaging in our party.

“Many of our children have spent the majority of the year shielding and thanks to PoundToy we have been able to take Christmas to them.”