There is still time to support a toy appeal to ensure local children don’t go without this Christmas.

Caterpillar has organised a toy donation drop off centre at its Peterlee Business Park facility, with many local companies including Kookaburra getting involved.

The toy appeal is part of a wider Sun FM Christmas toy appeal, which was launched to ensure every child in the region gets a toy this Christmas.

Sarah Murphy from Caterpillar said: “We are asking businesses, employees and the public to buy an extra gift this Christmas for underprivileged children, from newborns to teenagers.

“Toys need to be dropped off by the end of today (Tuesday) at our gatehouse – just look out for a giant teddy.

“The toys will then be collected by the Salvation Army and distributed to children in time for Christmas.”

The toy appeal has been promoted by a Caterpillar truck outside the company’s head office, with the lights and decorations supplied by Nala Engineers.