A weekly newspaper is hoping to brighten up Christmas for needy children in its patch by launching a toy appeal for the 34th year running.

Archant London’s Newham Recorder is calling on its readers to support the appeal to help local youngsters enjoy the festive period.

The paper claims half of children in Newham are living in poverty so its appeal in partnership with Community Links helps to ensure they have toys to unwrap on Christmas Day.

Last year’s appeal saw a record 13,500 toys donated by readers for distribution to needy youngsters by the organisation.

Editor Colin Grainger said: “For the 34th year we are proudly launching our Christmas Toy Appeal in conjunction with Links, a care group at the very heart of local life.

“When we started, we had a target of 500 toys, which I thought we would never reach. As the paper and Community Links have grown, so has the target.

“Last year, the community helped us find a record 13,500 toys, which were distributed to needy children locally.”