Shoppers in Lewisham are being encouraged to buy one extra gift to put under the Giving Tree for less well-off children.

The Christmas Tree set up in Lewisham Shopping Centre will have its base full of gifts for children in the borough through the charities Barnardo’s Catford and Demelza Eltham.

Supported by Met Police, the tree will remain up until December 24 in time to deliver the presents for Christmas.

Paul Redden, centre manager of Lewisham Shopping Centre, said: “We’re really looking forward to supporting such a great cause again this year within Lewisham.

“Last year our shoppers donated an amazing 700 plus gifts so we hope that together again this year, we can help to bring some Christmas spirit to the children and young people the charities support.”

Andy Furphy, detective chief inspector at the Met Police, said: “We’re really pleased to have joined up with Lewisham Shopping Centre for the second time running on this incredible initiative.

“We hope that as the community are buying gifts and stocking fillers for their friends and families, many of them will also be inspired to pick up one extra gift that will make a big difference to a child in Lewisham and the surrounding boroughs.”