FUNERAL directors Paul and Ashley McDonald hope the people of Devizes will help them brighten this Christmas for youngsters in Bristol Children's Hospital.

The father and son team who run their Devizes business at The Chequers want donations of new toys.

Paul McDonald said: "We were made aware that over 5,000 children spend the festive period in Bristol Children’s Hospital so we thought being our first Christmas as a business what better way to create an annual event for A.P McDonald Funeral Services.

"People who want to donate need to bring in a new toy, for any age up to teens, to our branch.

"We have also created a Christmas hamper which people will be entered into a draw for every when they donate a toy. The more toys, the more chances to win."

Scores of toys have been donated in the first couple of weeks of the appeal operating. It will continue to run until December 19. The hamper draw will be made on December 21 at 10.30am by Devizes Mayor Andy Geddes.