A CALL has gone out to help make Christmas special for families in need.

Dartmouth toy bank has launched its festive appeal for children's gifts and something special to put in hampers for the elderly and those spending Christmas on their own.

Run in conjunction with the town's food bank, the big-hearted project last year collected 75 sacks full of toys, which were distributed to homes in and around the Dartmouth area.

'It gave a special Christmas to so many families,' said project coordinator Dawn Shepherd. 'The demands of the festive season can be a strain. Many people don't realise what a struggle Christmas can put on a family.

'We want to stop people ­taking out pay-day loans.'

The toy bank will launch its appeal with a stall in the old market on Friday, November 7.

It is looking for any good second-hand toys and gifts as well as wrapping paper, sticky tape and cards so families can give the presents a personal touch.

Cash donations will go towards buying any presents that have not been gifted for specific age groups.

Sacks of toys are distributed around two weeks before Christmas in conjunction with Dartmouth Academy, the children's centre and health visitors.

Dawn said some people who received help last year were now working with the toy bank to make Christmas special for others.

Hamper items for people ­living on their own can include the likes of toiletries, biscuits, Christmas puddings, jams and preserves.

'Some people said it was the only present they got,' added Dawn.