AN APPEAL for people to donate new toys for children in need this Christmas was given a push by members of staff at a Basingstoke supermarket.

Staff from Tesco, in Chineham Shopping Centre, dressed as toys for the day to persuade customers to buy a toy for its appeal.

The donations will be distributed by Children's Services to the children in the area.

Julie Shepherd, community manager at Tesco, said: "The reason I'm doing it is because I have been doing a food bank in store for several years - unfortunately it's really necessary in the town. It made me think, if you can't afford food you aren't going to be able to give your child toys at Christmas."

Toys can be donated in store up until December 17.