MORE than 650 children will enjoy a merry Christmas this year, thanks to the incredibly generosity of local people.

Every year PATCH (Pembrokeshire Action To Combat Hardship) is inundated with games, toys, clothes, books, toiletries and more as part of its Christmas Toy Appeal.

These gifts are then sorted through by a team of volunteers, before being bagged up and delivered to local families who would otherwise struggle to afford presents for their little ones.

Once again Pembrokeshire's generous nature was evident, with thousands of items piled up at PATCH's new Hakin base.

As well as their usual team of helpers, PATCH has also welcome local schoolchildren, the mayor of Milford Haven, and businesspeople to lend a hand with the project.

"It's great, we love it - we all feel like Father Christmas," said PATCH manager Tracy Olin.

"This year we've also had people we helped in previous years come back to help sort through the presents, which is wonderful.

"It shows what an impact the toy appeal has on people in their time of need."

Last week PATCH also welcome a van full of donations from Pembrokeshire County Council employees.

For the past few weeks, the council's headquarters have been used as a collection point for food and other household essentials, which will now be distributed to needy adults and children across the county.

“There was so much I quickly realised that the van we had brought was not going to be big enough” said Tracy.

“All I can say is ‘wow’ - and thank you to all the council people who donated.

"Their generosity will make Christmas a little more enjoyable for many needy families.”

Council leader David Simpson said that he was proud of the kind-heartedness of council staff.

“Their response has been amazing” he added.