CHARITIES hoping to put a smile on the face of sick children this Christmas have been backed by a York shopping centre.

Monks Cross launched its Christmas Give a Gift Campaign earlier this month urging people to collect a hanger from their tree in the information centre and purchase a gift suitable for the age range on the hanger.

Shoppers took the gift and the hanger to staff in the centre who have kept them safe before donating them to Martin House Hospice and Special Needs Activity and Play Provision for York (SNAPPY).

Katherine Sharp, centre manager at Monks Cross Shopping said: "Our Give a Gift Campaign is always really successful and we’re grateful to all our customer who have bought a present as part of the campaign.

"It is fantastic that we have been able to donate lots of Christmas presents to the children at Martin House and involved with SNAPPY. "To buy one extra present for a child with special needs or a life-limiting illness is a small ask compared to the big difference receiving the gift will make to the children."

SNAPPY provides play and recreational opportunities for children and young people with special needs based in York.

Martin House Hospice cares for those with progressive life-limiting illnesses and provides support to their families.

Anne Stamp, SNAPPY’s serivce manager, added: "For some of our children the gift you donate to the Monks Cross Give a Gift Appeal will be their biggest gift from Santa, so thank you for giving so generously.”