A toll operator in Halton has donated £1,500 worth of new toys to an appeal for Christmas gifts for less fortunate children.

Merseyflow, the operator for Mersey Gateway Bridge, donated the toys to Halton Children’s Centres Christmas Appeal.

The appeal, which is also supported by Trinity Church in Widnes, benefits hundreds of disadvantaged children from some of Halton’s most deprived areas every year.

Hugh O’Connor, General Manager of the Merseylink Consortium, said: “We’re really pleased to be working with the Halton Children’s Centres Christmas Appeal because all the benefits go to local kids and we know that 2020 has been such a challenging year for so many people in lots of different ways.”

Claire Pentin, Principal Manager of the Runcorn Children’s Centres, said: “We’re really pleased to get the support of the Merseylink and Merseyflow teams in this year’s appeal and the £1,500 donation is incredible.”

“I’d like to thank everyone who contributes in advance. Every penny raised and gift donated will be used to support local children here in Halton this Christmas.”

The toll company has also encouraged staff and customers to donate gifts themselves at the drop-off point in Manor Park, which is set to open on 2 December.

Helen Williams, Marketing Manager at Merseyflow, said: “I’m sure we will have an incredible response from our very generous customers and staff to support this appeal, and we wanted to kick start it ourselves as a company because lockdown has affected everything, including charity fund-raising, this year.”

The company urges anyone making a donation at the walk-in centre to wear a face covering and follow social distancing guidelines.

The centre welcomes a variety of donations suitable for children up to 18-years-old, but they must be new, unopened and dropped off by 13 December.

The Merseyflow walk-in-centre will be open again from 2 December, Monday to Saturday 9am-5.30pm and Sunday 10am-4pm.