Crews from the Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) have donated toys to families this Christmas after a successful collection.

Watch Manager Jonathan Clatworthy and crews at Weston-Super-Mare collected new or nearly new toys for children who would need them the most. The crew ensured that the toys were in good condition before donated.

All the presents were delivered to the local food banks and then distributed to families.

WM Jon Clatworthy said: “We were astounded by the response to our Christmas toy collection. Despite facing a difficult year, including the effects of the current cost of living crisis, our local community in Weston-Super-Mare were extremely generous and donated a huge number of toys in support of those who need them most.

“It was our pleasure to donate the gifts to local food banks – we hope they’re well enjoyed by all those who received them. I’d also like to thank all those at Weston-Super-Mare Station that have been involved in this collection – this tremendous effort couldn’t have been achieved without them.”

Harnassing the Christmas spirit, crews at Bath and Southmead also hosted their own Christmas toy collection. Bath firefighters donated toys to the Lighthouse Centre in Bath, which distributed the toys to a number of food banks across the city, and to children at Royal United Hospital (RUH) Bath on Christmas Day while a number of charities, including the Rainbow Trust and The Greenway Centre and The Ranch, received donated gifts from Southmead Fire Station.

Following the generousity of the local community, the crew will continue to donate new or nearly new toys throughout the year.

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