A CHARITY that provides support to youngsters with learning disabilities has sent out gift bag full of sensory toys to children unable to access the service.

WeCan, which is based in Hexham, sent out the bags to 68 children, who can no longer access charity’s services due to the coronavirus crisis.

The bags, tailored to the children’s needs, contain a variety of toys that provide sensory stimulation.

Gill Brown, a trustee at the charity, explained how the idea came about.

She said: “It was my idea to start with because I got one as a present for my daughter a while ago, and she really loved it.

“We were feeling a bit lost as trustees because we can’t offer the same things on Saturdays or our Easter holiday club and we wanted to make sure everybody knew we were thinking about them.

“We did 68 in total, we didn’t want to miss anybody out. The trustees delivered them ourselves to the areas that are local, and we posted a few more out.

“It was nice to make contact with people. We asked people to send us pictures of their children playing with the sensory toys, and it looks like everybody has enjoyed it.

“The bags are put together with different items depending on the need of the child.

"One little boy has just been taking all the items out and then putting them back in.

"It just gives them something to fiddle with, and reminds them that WeCan is still there.

The bags were put together by North Shields based company Sensory Treasures, operated by early years professional Carol Lloyd.

WeCan were able to fund the bags after a generous donation from Newcastle-based land agents Knight Frank.

Gill continued: “It’s not easy for charities at the moment because we rely on fundraisers which have all been cancelled, but Knight Frank said they would pay for it all.

“We used Sensory Treasures because it’s nice to support a small local company.

"It took Carol a few days, it was quite a big order for her.