Three local business are appealing to the generosity of the public to help spread the Christmas cheer among children with life-limiting illnesses this festive season.

The businesses, from Carshalton, Cheam and Wimbledon, have worked together over the last few years to provide Shooting Star Chase Hospice in Surrey with over 2,000 toys for their Christmas Party.

Last year they were so swamped with donations they were able to donate a sack of gifts to over 150 children in the borough living in poverty.

This year they are hoping to smash that record and donate gifts to St Helier and The Royal Marsden children's wards.

Bob and Sarah Watson of RWW Plumbing and Heating in Carshalton have teamed up with Paul and Irene Strank of Paul Strank Plumbing in Wimbledon to collect and donate the gift.

Jennie Watson, Mr Watson’s sister, of Village Travel in Cheam was also collecting toys.

Mr Watson said: “It is very rewarding, last year myself and my wife went to the Mayor’s Parlour in Merton for one of their parties for ill children.

“It is probably one of the nicest things I have been to but it is very hard not to cry because there are a lot of kids there with life-limiting illnesses that are just so happy and grateful for what they are getting.”

Anyone wanting to donate presents can drop them at Village Travel in Cheam Village, Plumb Centre in Purley Way, Croydon or 8 Boundary Road, Carshalton.

All presents must be brand new and for new-borns to 21-year-olds.