DURING the first year of this century, family firm Boyes decided to donate a sackful of toys to be handed out in hospitals on Christmas morning to children who were too ill to spend the big day at home.

The gesture, needless to say, was appreciated hugely by both the young recipients and hospital staff.

So much so that the gifts have become a regular ‘fixture’ – this year is the 16th time that Boyes has handed out toys.

Robin Boyes, toy buyer for the firm and great grandson of the founder, William Boyes, is delighted to be involved in the project.

He said: “We are a family business and we have always wanted to do things which support the family. It is in keeping with the spirit of William Boyes, who believed in putting something back into the community.

“It must be awful to be in hospital at Christmas, and even worse for a child. It is a time for family and children, and as a family firm we are pleased to do anything we can to help.”

The scores of cuddly toys will be given to patients in York and Scarborough hospitals, and they always raise a smile.

The first Boyes store opened in Eastborough, Scarborough, in 1881, selling remnants and excess stock. The original York store opened in 1906 on Ouse Bridge and then reopened on Goodramgate in 1987.

The firm now has 55 stores across the North East, Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and further afield, and now includes a new store in Acomb which opened in April 2015.

Boyes sell just about everything, including children’s and adults’ clothing, toys, hardware and cookware, confectionery, toiletries, cosmetics and decorating materials.

If you’re feeling creative and fancy making your own Christmas cards, visit their crafts, fabrics and haberdashery department, where you can find a vast choice of creative crafts, including stencils, craft pencils and paint, card, tissue paper and glitter – in fact, whatever you need to make unique cards for your friends and family this Christmas.

If you find you don’t have the time to do that, they also stock ready-made Christmas cards.

Boyes also has a huge range of Christmas decorations and gift ideas, and is open on Sundays.

Robin Boyes adds: “We like to hold special events for the children. In Scarborough; for instance, we have a huge window display and Father Christmas comes. We don’t have room in York to do that, but we can help the children in hospital instead.”

Boyes is renowned for its spectacular Santa’s grotto in Scarborough. It attracts parents and youngsters from throughout North Yorkshire.