p> Generous Sutton residents can help put smiles on the faces of needy children this Christmas thanks to this year’s Giving Tree Appeal.

The long-running charity will launch its Christmas campaign tomorrow with the help by Liberty X singer Michelle Heaton.

The Giving Tree Appeal supports women and children who have been forced to leave their homes because of domestic violence and aims to provide children with a present to open on Christmas Day.

This year the appeal, founded in 1999, will be supporting nine local women’s refuges.

The Liberty X songstress will be helping volunteers launch the appeal on Friday November 13 at 4pm outside Robert Dyas on level 1 in St Nicholas Shopping Centre in Sutton.

Miss Heaton said “I was so pleased to be asked to launch this appeal at the St Nicholas Centre, these women and children have been through so much so it’s great to be able to make their Christmas a little brighter.”

The children have already sent Robert Dyas a list of presents and shoppers can choose one which will be and sent by the store in time for Christmas.

Children from Beddington Infants will also be at the centre supporting the appeal.