A PEMBROKESHIRE charity launched its sixth annual Christmas toy appeal in Pembroke Dock on Friday, October 16.

Supporters of Pembrokeshire Action To Combat Hardship (PATCH) gathered at the Bridge Innovation Centre, and were treated to a flying visit from Father Christmas who urged everyone to give generously this year.

Last year PATCH gave donated toys to more than 600 referred children across the county, and this year looks set to be another busy time for its dedicated team of volunteers.

Unlike previous years, the 2015 appeal has a theme, with PATCH asking for toys that encourage imagination and outdoor play.

“We want you to help activate the imagination of children in Pembrokeshire who without your support would have a miserable Christmas,” said PATCH co-ordinator Tracy Olin.

Tracy explained that this year they will be relying on the generosity of the public more than ever.

She said: “We have already seen the need for our basics bank go crazy in the last few weeks, and the need for food parcels always escalate at Christmas time.

“For the first year ever we have no funds in our bank to start the toy appeal off, so we’re relying on donations 100 per cent. One way we’re going to raise money is by holding a raffle.”

Speaking at Friday’s launch, Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb said the toy appeal was one of the most special things he has been involved in.

“Every day of the week PATCH makes a difference to someone’s life, particularly at Christmas time when people feel under pressure to buy presents and risk going into debt,” he said.

“Tracy you and your team do such an amazing job, and it’s fantastic to see this project go from strength to strength. We look forward to a really big and successful toy appeal this year.”

Donations of toys are needed, suitable for 0-18 years, from stocking fillers to family games. The charity also needs wrapping paper, sticky tape and cardboard boxes.

The ‘great sort’ will take place in Suite 15 at Cedar Court, Milford Haven between December 7-12 and volunteers are invited to sign up to help.

There will also be a collection outside Milford Haven’s Tesco store on November 28.