A toy appeal has been launched by the Comet this week to bring joy to children at Christmas.

We’re asking readers to donate newly-bought toys to Keech Hospice Care, which supports children in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire with terminal and life-limiting illnesses.

About the appeal, Maggie Doust, corporate fundraiser for the hospice, said: “Our aim at Keech Hospice Care is to help our children enjoy the highest quality of life in a bright and safe environment. Toys and play are such an important part of how we care for these children. Parents say how wonderful it is to be able to see them play, stimulate their senses and most importantly let them be children.

“Each child has unique needs and donations such as this help Keech Hospice Care to fulfil these needs. We really can’t thank people enough for getting involved and making a difference.”

The cause is also being backed by Stevenage Borough Council and North Hertfordshire District Council (NHDC), with representatives from both authorities attending the launch on Monday.

Stevenage mayor Jack Pickersgill said: “It’s certainly a very worthy cause providing care for these children and we should do all we can to support it.”

Cllr Jane Grey, chairman of NHDC, added: “I was absolutely delighted to be invited to the launch of this Christmas campaign. I hope it receives the great support that it deserves.”

The Comet is collecting new toys, which need to be sensory-based and cannot be soft or wooden, at its offices in Primett Road, Stevenage, between 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday.