A CHARITY gift appeal which aims to give Christmas presents to children who might go without has launched for its fourth year.

The Christmas Sparkle scheme was founded by Gill Harrison, who runs the project with Abbey Thresher and Candice Thompson-Gardiner.

It was created in 2015 to provide gifts for young people in Taunton and Wellington living in difficult circumstances.

Last year more than 1,000 children were given a present as part of the group’s work.

Volunteers can help out by collecting and wrapping the presents.

Gill Harrison said: “This is the fourth year of Christmas Sparkle. Last year we gave over 2,000 gifts to 1,090 children and young people in the Taunton Deane community - thanks to the kind-hearted people who donated so generously.

“The figures represented around 25 per cent increase on 2016, due in large part to the hardship incurred by issues around Universal Credit.

“Our aim is simple: to provide a gift for every child in the local community living in difficult circumstances.”

The presents are delivered through an agency who identify the children in need of the service.

The project is supported by My Day Care services, who Ms Harrison says offer ‘unstinting’ support to them.

They also work with other schools and businesses in the area.

People looking to donate gifts, which must be unwrapped, can do so at the following collection points: Timpsons, Taunton Visitor Centre, Taunton Library, A-Plan Insurance, Towergate Insurance, Peter Brett, and Sara Kennard and Associated Osteopathic Practice.

In Wellington the collection points are the sports centre, Co-op, and Bouncy Bears Nursery.