It’s time for one final festive push to collect as many gifts as possible for children in Ashford who will have little underneath their tree this Christmas.

Cuddly toys, board games and DVD’s are just some of the presents that have been collected in the Kentish Express office for the annual Salvation Army Christmas appeal.

Retired envoy Valerie Barkley, 68, who has helped co-ordinate the appeal for the past 10 years, said: “We’re doing not too bad.

“We still could do with some vouchers for the teenagers and tins of food to make up the food parcels.”

The group asks for all gifts to be new and unwrapped. They are unable to take used or second hand items. Gifts can be dropped off at the Kentish Express office in North Street or the NatWest Bank in Ashford High Street.

Donations of non-perishable food can also be made in addition to gifts at the Salvation Army Hall in Cudworth Road, Willesborough, which is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 10am and noon.

There is also some space for the Christmas dinner at The John Wallis Academy.

Valerie added: “We’ve got quite a few guests and we need a few more. With volunteers, we are doing really well. We have got quite a few.”

The deadline to donate presents at the Kentish Express office is next Monday at 1pm.

If you’re interested in attending or helping in any way, call 01233 643480.

Suggestions for presents:

0-3 years old: dolls, teddy bears, cot mobiles, baby clothes, bath toys, CDs with suitable music and nursery rhymes and puzzles.

3-5 years old: dolls, action figures, cars, lorries, DVDs and CDs with music and nursery rhymes, colouring sets, pencils, crayons, books and puzzles.

5-9 years old: educational games and toys, stationery, family friendly DVDs, CDs, books, puzzles, wordsearch and crosswords.

9-12 years old: games and toys, stationery, CDs, DVDs, books, T-shirts, hair accessories, gloves, scarves, hats.

13-16 years old: CDs, DVDs, books, non-allergy make-up and toiletries, gloves, scarves, hats, T-shirts and hair accessories.