A KIND-HEARTED couple have collected 170 selection boxes for a children's charity appeal after asking guests at their 30th wedding anniversary party not to buy them presents.

Tracey and Chris Harrison, from Orford, celebrated 30 years of marriage on Sunday with an afternoon tea for guests.

Tracey said: "We didn't need anything buying for us and we saw the advert in the Warrington Guardian for the selection box appeal so decided to ask guests to bring those instead.

"We didn't expect to receive so many."

From today, Monday, until December 19 the Children Adventure Farm Trust, near Lymm, will be providing parties for in the region of 1,200 ill, disabled and disadvantaged children.

Each child will leave with arms full of gifts and treats – including of course every child’s favourite – a selection box.

Children will meet some larger than life Christmas mascots, including a reindeer, polar bear, Christmas tree and penguin – there will even be falling snow and a huge Christmas tree.

After a traditional Christmas dinner the children will meet Santa in his grotto, receiving a sack full of carefully matched presents – which is where the charity are hoping Warrington Guardian readers could help.

They desperately need help to secure 1,200 selection boxes so that every child goes away happy after their day at the festive farm.

Drop off points in Warrington for the appeal are the Warrington Guardian offices near the Village Hotel, or with Sarah or Phil at The Balloon & Gift Boutique on Horsemarket Street or Spire Cheshire Hospital in Stretton.

Selection boxes will be collected until Friday, December 14.