A charity is asking for toy donations to help put presents under the tree of island families in need.

The Salvation Army has launched its annual toy appeal ahead of the Christmas season along with its partners, Isle of Man Bank, to ensure that children of all ages do not miss out on the festive cheer.

As in previous years, Isle of Man Bank branches across the island will act as collection points for members of the public to drop in any unwrapped toys for the Christmas Present Appeal.

The initiative is running throughout November.

Cat Mills, from the Salvation Army, said: ’We ask for new toys for any age group from babies to teenagers.

’We ask that they are new because it wouldn’t be fair to give one child something new and another something second-hand.

’We know we’re going to be short for babies and teenagers because they are generally more difficult to buy for.’

She explained that some people struggle all year round, whereas some tend to struggle during the winter months and ’just need help to bridge the gap’ until the festive period is over.

’It feels good to know that people who don’t have anything have something to open at Christmas,’ she added.

The different Isle of Man Bank branches will be collecting the toys in different ways, with some having a drop in bin or a display table for people to add to.

The Salvation Army then receives the names of families in need of help by a number of health and social care agencies around the island.

The Salvation Army has run the Christmas Appeal for decades.

Last year more than 500 toys were handed out to children as Christmas presents.

In 2016 a total of 429 children received Christmas presents from donations made by the public.

There were more than 1,000 food parcels and vouchers handed out with 53 people attended the Boxing Day meal at the citadel which was previously located on Lord Street, Douglas.

The Salvation Army is temporarily using the site of the former Fairfield Primary School while building works take place to replace the previous citadel with a purpose-built facility.