Over 2,000 brand new toys are to be handed out to children across Dartford following the stellar success of this year's Dartford Toy Appeal.

Run by the Dartford Deeds Not Words Foundation, which is a volunteer group made up of local residents, the appeal saw the donated gifts divided between six charities who will then share these with children in need.

These charities include Ellenor, We are Beams, Mary's Child, Women's Refuge, Home Start and Kent Young Carers.

Run by Dartford residents, Kelly Grehan and Sarah Crook, the toy appeal began five years ago as an attempt to collect presents for children spending Christmas in the women’s refuge.

Over time it has grown so that it now collects for the six previously mentioned charities, all of which support children in Dartford.

"The first year we aimed for 40 toys, with the aim of making sure every child in the refuge has a present at Christmas, but things have grown and it has been amazing.

"Every year I panic we won’t get enough donations and then we start getting messages from people across the community ranging from schools, churches, toddler groups, offices and shops volunteering to get involved," said Ms Grehan.

Along with generous donations from considerate residents, the appeal also received a £1,000 donation from the Dartford Lions Club, as well as a £250 from Stone Parish council. These funds were used to buy sensory toys with guidance from the charities.

Mrs Grehan told of how there was an "abundance of volunteers" to help sort out the toys, which she said "really shows the strength of the community."

Ms Crook said that she was "overwhelmed" by the generosity of those who donated and said it shows what can be done when a strong community pulls together.

"All of the businesses and individuals that donate and collect are amazing and it really shows how working as a community we can pull together and make things better for others," she said.

Rev Carol Avery, who runs Mary’s Child, said: "The presents given will help so many vulnerable families at this special time of year.

"Everyone needs to feel loved and cared for, whatever their circumstances, especially children, and these gifts are a real expression of the love and care of our wonderful Community."