CHRISTMAS arrived early for needy children thanks to generous support from Anglia Co-operative Travel’s customers and Cambs Times’ readers.

Toys poured in to support the Santa’s Suitcase appeal which helps disadvantaged children in the March and Chatteris area.

Cuddlies, games and books that arrived at the March branch have been passed on to help the town’s Ormiston Children and Families Trust’s efforts to brighten Christmas for youngsters in Fenland.

Natasha Thatcher, manager at the Broad Street store, said: “People have been so generous and they can feel proud of the fact that they are helping to put a smile on the face of children who would otherwise have very little this Christmas.

“I would like to thank everyone who took the time and trouble to bring a gift to the shop.”

The toys were collected by the Ormiston trust’s senior practitioners Debbie Stockdale and Lisa Peel.

Amanda Newman, service manager for the trust’s children’s centres in March and Chatteris, said: “Thank you all so very much for such a wonderful collection of toys for a variety of ages.

“Your generosity is really going to make such a difference to so many children this year.”