The Messenger wants to put smiles on the faces of youngsters this Christmas with a free competition, but we need your help.

We have joined forces with Build-A-Bear to give out six of their lovely festive friends to children in Gravesham and Dartford who have endured a tough time of late.

Up for grabs are cuddly toys including a Santa Claus, Bananas Monkey and Rudolph the reindeer.

Every child is special, but we want you to send in stories of those who could do with a pat on the back or a pick-me-up as Christmas comes around the corner.

We ran the competition last year to great success with winners Adam Charlick, eight, Oliver White, two, Abbie Staff, 11, Alex Brown, 13, Tobias James Ludlow, three and Archie Sandhu, nine, all getting a cuddly friend in time for Christmas.

The deadline for the competition is 3pm on Thursday December 18, so please hurry to get your letters into us.

When you write, include a summary of no more than 250 words on why you believe your chosen child deserves to win the competition.

If they have done or been through anything exceptional, unusual or emotional this year, let us know.

Stories must include the child’s full name, age and the name of the road they live in. Please also attach contact details, including a telephone number.

Send letters to Gravesend Messenger, 7, High Street, Gravesend, Kent, DA11 0BQ or email gravesendmessenger@thekmgroup.co.uk with the subject: Build-A-Bear competition.