HUNDREDS of toys are set to be given to underprivileged children across the borough after Tesco’s Stourbridge branch launched its annual Christmas toy appeal.

Last year, almost 200 presents were handed over to the Crown Centre store which were then donated to the families with low incomes.

Store manager Wayne Barker hopes to donate more than double that amount this time out. He said: “Our target is 500, we already know 386 children who need presents this year.

“Last year was amazing terms of the level of generosity afforded by the public.”

Tesco has linked with local producer Hagley Christmas Trees to place two trees in the town centre, one at the Crown Centre and the other near the Wilko store.

The drive, run in conjunction with Dudley Council for Voluntary Service, involves taking a bauble from one of the trees with the details of a particular child written on it, this can be used to determine the appropriate gift which is then handed in for collection.

Toys are then given to the families of children who are identified by social services as underprivileged.

Stourbridge MP Margot James, who helped launch the appeal, said: “I think it shows that people in Stourbridge are generous, even though it is already an expensive time of year.

“It says a lot about the generosity of the community.”

For more information about how to get involved, visit the Stourbridge Tesco store.