A BUSINESSWOMAN has hailed her latest toy appeal a success as hundreds of toys have been donated by members of the public.

Every year for the last 15 years, Belinda Ambrose and her team at Aligned Chiropractic in Hexham have supported families in need at Christmas by organising a toy appeal for different charities each year.

This year's chosen charities are The Eden Project Hexham and Prudhoe Youth Partnership.

The business, which opened in 2008, sees a huge response every year but were concerned that many people would not be able to donate this year due to the cost-of-living crisis and other factors.

However, they were pleasantly surprised when hundreds of presents were donated throughout the month, showing Hexham's true community spirit during the Christmas period.

Belinda has supported the Salvation Army's toy appeal since she opened her business. She says that it is something she looks forward to doing each year as she is helping a good cause and it means children will be able to open something on Christmas Day.

"Due to the immense generosity of our practice attendees, the Christmas tree at the practice becomes more festooned each year with fabulous gifts," Belinda said.

"I chose this year's charities as they are both local and an attending practice member who in ministry covers these in her work, with which they take a very personal approach delivering food parcels for families with the gifts chosen for the right age groups within each family. 

"This year has been tougher for many families as they struggle to stay afloat with rising interest rates on mortgages, and escalating fuel costs.

"The complexities and expense of Christmas can mean a time of misery rather than the joyful celebration many of us are fortunate to experience.

"Every child should wake up on Christmas day, eyes wide with wonder as see lovely presents just for them under the Christmas tree.

"None of this would be possible without the kindness of others, not only demonstrated by the lovely people attending Aligned Chiropractic but from people coming in from the street to place presents under the tree."