The Salvation Army has urged Bolton residents to donate toys for its Christmas Present Appeal.

The annual initiative aims to support families struggling to make ends meet during the festive season.

The Salvation Army's churches across the nation ask people to donate new toys and gifts for children whose families are unable to afford basic necessities.

Farnworth Salvation Army alone distributed more than 200 gifts last year.

The church and charity predict that even more people will require assistance this year.

Beverley Monteith, community manager for The Salvation Army in Farnworth, said: "The Salvation Army’s present appeal is an opportunity for people in our communities to embrace the spirit of Christmas and give to families and individuals who have very little.

"We are incredibly grateful for the public’s generosity over the years and hope this year our appeal will be able to bring some respite to those who are struggling the most.

"Christmas is a time when financial worries are brought into sharp focus as the cost of living crisis continues to have a devastating impact on families who can’t afford to heat their homes or put a nutritious meal on the table.

"Helping parents provide a gift for their child not only eases financial pressures, but helps bring the joy of Christmas into their homes."

The church and community centre on Brackley Street, Farnworth, will be accepting donations of new, unwrapped gift sets for teenagers until Friday, December 13.

Donations can be dropped off between 9am and 3pm.

Non-perishable food items, including tins of soup, beans, porridge, biscuits, and tea and coffee, are also welcomed.

Financial donations can be made on the JustGiving website for those unable to donate a toy.

The Salvation Army will sort and distribute the gifts to children and families in the area through local groups, schools, and social services.

Suitable gifts range from educational toys, baby clothes, bath toys, and books to dolls, action figures, sports equipment, clothing, toiletries, gloves, scarves, hats, T-shirts, hair accessories, and gift vouchers for older children.

People can also contribute through The Entertainer’s Big Toy Appeal.

Customers can buy an extra toy to donate when they visit a store or shop online at TheToyShop.com.

For every toy donated, The Entertainer will add another, doubling the number for children who might go without.

Each store is connected with a local Salvation Army church or centre that will collect and distribute the toys as part of the wider Christmas Present Appeal.

For more information about the Christmas Present Appeal and gift ideas, visit The Salvation Army's website.