WOMEN and children at a York refuge have sent a card to The Press to thank readers for donating hundreds of items to our Christmas Toys & Tins appeal.

Toys, games, books and sweets were given by generous readers to help ensure children did not go without presents on Christmas Day.

Members of staff from the refuge - which is run by Independent Domestic Abuse Services (IDAS) to support anyone affected by domestic abuse or sexual violence - collected a car load of presents from The Press headquarters in Walmgate.

The gifts went to children and their mothers staying at the refuge over Christmas, but also to some of the women and children who had been there previously but had been re-settled out in the community.

In the card, one mother wrote: “Thank you for your kind donations, each lovely gift helped to make the magic of Santa and Christmas much more special.

"We are very grateful and wish you a happy new year.”

Another said: “Thank you for making Christmas so special. The kids loved the amazing donations,” while a third said the presents were much appreciated and made Christmas much more enjoyable.

Another wrote: "Just want to say a big thank you for all of the donations for the children for Christmas.

"We had a fab one, thanks to all of you,” while a fifth mother thanked readers for their generous donations, adding: “Great memories of Christmas were made! Thank you so much!”

Hundreds of food items and toys donated to our appeal also went to the Salvation Army, which filled food parcels for people in need and collected toys for children whose families would otherwise struggle to buy them gifts, and which has already thanked readers.