A PROJECT that gives the gift of Christmas to children across Taunton and Wellington is returning for its third year.

The Christmas Sparkle project, ran by Gill Harrison, collects presents to wrap and give to children across Taunton Deane.

Last year the project gave gave 800 children gifts thanks to generous donations from across the area.

Miss Harrison said: “Last year the generous people of Taunton Deane donated an incredible 1,800 gifts which we were able to pass on to over 800 children in the Taunton Deane community.

“Sadly, this year there is even greater need and an increase in the number of children and young people living in poverty.

“We already have started a fantastic collection thanks to the staff and customers of Sainsbury’s in Billet Street and Hankridge who supported us through their toys sale.

“Several schools and businesses are collecting for us so we hope to have presents for all children and teenagers in need in the local community.”

This year the Christmas Sparkle team has had help wrapping presents from people at My Day services.

Mrs Harrison added: “We are excited that My Day services has loaned us premises and is assisting us with our collections, deliveries and wrapping.

“We would like to invite anyone to come and help wrap presents for an hour or two. In return we will give everyone a mince pie some tea or coffee and play lovely cheesy Christmas music to get everybody in festive mood.”

If you have a present to donate you can do so at one of the drop-off points. They can be found at Taunton library, Taunton Visitor Centre, Timpson’s, Wellington Co-op, Wellington Sports Centre and Sarah Kennard’s Osteopathic practice on Wellington Road, Taunton.

For more information on wrapping events visit christmas-sparkle.org.