CHRISTMAS is a special time for many of us, with traditional scenes of families seated around a tree on Christmas morning waiting to discover what Santa has brought them. However, in North Somerset there are some families for whom the festive season is no

CHRISTMAS is a special time for many of us, with traditional scenes of families seated around a tree on Christmas morning waiting to discover what Santa has brought them.However, in North Somerset there are some families for whom the festive season is not always a happy time.Some mothers and fathers cannot afford to give their children any presents because they can barely afford to clothe them.It is for this reason the Weston & Somerset Mercury teamed up with Star Radio to launch a Toy Appeal on Tuesday with the help of ITV West presenters Lisa Aziz and Bob Crampton. The appeal calls upon everyone out buying their Christmas shopping to get one extra present so families who are less well-off will have gifts to give to their children this Christmas.Mercury editor Judi Kisiel said: "Hundreds of children on our doorstep will benefit if people can go that extra mile this Christmas."Star Radio's Ian Downs said: "Please, while you are out shopping this year, help less fortunate children in North Somerset celebrate a Christmas that otherwise may get forgotten."The popular breakfast DJ, known as Downsy, said: "If people can buy one extra DVD or CD it will really make a difference."The appeal, now in its sixth year, hopes to reach hundreds of families, not just in Weston but across the district. ITV's Bob Crampton, who helped to launch the appeal, said: "It is worth thinking that for some children gifts from the Toy Appeal may be the only presents they get."Donations will be distributed by North Somerset Council's community families' team which will select where the gifts ought to go. Council officer Elaine Blackmore, who will be helping, said: "The gifts donated go to babies and older children so it would be really appreciated if people think about those in their early teens."Other supporters of the appeal include Renault car dealership SJ Cook & Sons, of Locking Road, Weston. Gifts can be donated at the Weston & Somerset Mercury offices in Waterloo Street or Star Radio's offices in Beaconsfield Road.Other collection points throughout North Somerset include Church House in Silver Street, Nailsea, Bradshaw House, off Kenn Road next to Tesco in Clevedon, and the Hand Stadium in Davis Lane, also in Clevedon. Shoppers in Portishead can drop their gifts into Waitrose in Harbour Road.