It's that time of year again. Christmas is coming, the shops are beginning to light up with festive displays and most children are dreaming up their wish lists for Santa.

But for some youngsters, Christmas isn’t such a glorious time.

To help those less fortunate The Express and its sister titles have joined forces with BiG Storage to make sure that there are plenty of presents for under privileged and vulnerable children and teenagers via nominated charities in the north west. Noddy Holder – the pop and rock legend whose music is associated with festive fun thanks to the 1973 Slade hit Merry Xmas Everybody – was at BiG Storage to launch the appeal this week.

Noddy said: "I am delighted to launch and be part of the Christmas toy appeal once again. Please spare a thought for those children who would not get any presents at all if it were not for appeals like this and the generosity of more fortunate families in the community."

Paul Fahey, partner of BiG Storage, said: "This is the seventh year that we have run the appeal with the Express.

"We are delighted with the Express’s support in promoting the appeal once again.

"Our Christmas toy appeals have been so successful that they have been extended across Cheshire."

The local charities include:

  • The Children’s Adventure Farm Trust, who are based in Cheshire and provide holidays and activities for terminally ill, chronically sick, disabled and disadvantaged children.
  • The David Lewis Centre, which offers a range of medical, educational, residential, and assessment services for children with epilepsy and other neurological conditions around the Cheshire area.
  • Ashgrove Centre in Macclesfield who provide a one stop shop for the community where they can access services such as; midwifery, health visiting, family support, speech and language therapy, lots of play events, and more
  • Together Trust, which have various locations in Cheshire and Manchester and help those with behavioural problems, learning difficulties, physical disabilities and autism conditions. The trust enables each person to have the ability and the right to experience joy, happiness and hope.
  • Sure Start Children’s Centres, who have over 3,600 sites nationwide and provide advice and support for parents and carers. Their services are available from pregnancy right through to when a child goes into reception class at primary school.

Toys can be dropped off at BiG Storage, Handforth Dean, Earl Road, Stanley Green Industrial Estate, Handforth Dean, SK8 6PT (just off the A34 near M&S) 0161 486 6000 or BiG Storage Macclesfield, Fence Avenue, Macclesfield, SK10 1LW (just off the A523 near Tescos) 01625 437 100, Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 5:30pm, Saturdays 9am to 4pm, and Sundays 10am to 2pm (Handforth) at the BiG Storage reception. Location maps can also be seen at www.bigstorage.info .