Those behind an annual toy appeal are celebrating its tenth anniversary this year – and are looking for people to help it grow even further.

Dartford Toy Appeal began when Kelly Grehan held a collection, asking for new toys for children who were spending their Christmas in a women’s refuge.

Since then, donations have grown every year with businesses, schools and other organisations acting as drop-off points, with last year’s appeal collecting more than 2,500 gifts.

Kelly now runs the scheme as part of Dartford Deeds Not Words Foundation with colleagues Sarah Crook and Lisa Bullock and asks for new toys to be brought to drop-off points throughout the borough.

The gifts are then distributed to women and children in the refuge, YMCA, and Rosewood mums and babies mental health unit, as well as families supported by charities We Are Beams, ellenor hospice, Imago, Homestart and other families in need.

Kelly, who is also councillor for Dartford North East, said: “I never dreamt we would be running the appeal for a decade. Every year I panic that we won’t receive any donations, and every year I am staggered at the generosity people show.

“We love that the Toy Appeal brings so many parts of the town together - with shops, schools and clubs acting as drop-off points as well as people who run collections on their street or in their office.

“We know it makes a massive difference to the children who we give to. We are also grateful to be able to ensure all the women in the refuge and mums and babies unit receive gifts.”

Stephen Oliver, who runs the Stephen Oliver Studio and Gallery in The Orchards Shopping Centre, opens his studio as a drop-off point every year.

He said: “I've been involved with the Dartford Toy Appeal since its inception in 2013. It has grown massively ever since, becoming a regular community event each year.

“The generosity of Dartford’s community has always been amazing, giving toys and gifts that will go to the children of less well-off families at Christmas.”

Anyone who wants to host a drop-off point or run a collection should contact Dartford Deeds Not Words Foundation on Facebook.