THE Mayor of Dudley is backing this year’s Operation Santa appeal and is calling for people to donate gifts and toys to families in need this Christmas.

Councillor David Stanley is supporting the project - coordinated by Dudley Council for Voluntary Service (DVCS) in conjunction with Black Country Radio - which aims to ensure underprivileged youngsters across the borough are treated to a gift this festive season; and staff across Dudley Council have been collecting items for the appeal at various offices across the borough.

The charity is collecting gifts such as books, games, toys and colouring books as well as clothing for youngsters from newborn to 18 such as pyjamas, underwear, coats, jumpers and cardigans.

School uniform and bags can be donated as well as sweet treats such as chocolates, selection boxes and biscuits.

All items must be new – opened or used items will not be accepted, particularly cuddly toys.

Essentials such as milk, cereal, tinned soup, fruit juice and squash, spaghetti, pasta, coffee and tea bags are also welcomed.

To arrange to drop off toys and gifts, contact Operation Santa HQ on 01384 573381 or email eileen@dudleycvs.org.uk. The closing date for nominations is Friday December 13.

To find out more about how to donate go to www.blackcountryradio.co.uk/local/operation-santa-2019/ or https://www.facebook.com/opsantadudleyborough.

Councillor David Stanley, the Mayor of Dudley, said: "Operation Santa is a fantastic scheme, which Dudley CVS has been running for over 40 years. Christmas is a time for giving, and Operation Santa allows people to share a little of the Christmas spirit with those people most in need."