A CHILDREN'S charity's 10th birthday appeal has got off to a great start thanks to a Worcester-based recruitment consultancy.

Staff at Adecco, based in St Nicholas Street, have been busy collecting Easter eggs from other local companies.

The eggs were then donated to Noah's Ark Trust, which supports bereaved children across Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

Adecco has co-ordinated the donation of Easter eggs and Christmas selection boxes for Noah's Ark for five years.

Gabby Beddows, head of operations at Noah's Ark, said the children, who have been bereaved of parents or brothers and sisters, were delighted to receive the chocolate treats.

"We are very grateful to Adecco and the local companies who have so kindly donated the Easter eggs," she said. "On Wednesday we are officially launching our 10th anniversary appeal and hope other local companies will, like Adecco, support us to raise the essential funds we need to provide our free-of-charge service to children, young people and their families in the two counties."

Jacqui Penfold, branch manager at Adecco, said: "This year we have collected more than 150 Easter eggs for Noah's Ark. It is an extremely worthy charity and we are very pleased to give them our full support.

"We are also keen to help with the 10th anniversary appeal and would encourage other local companies to become involved and support their local community."

VIP guest I'm A Celebrity star Jason Donovan will be in Worcester on Wednesday to launch the 10th anniversary appeal at a champagne reception and jungle-themed lunch at Worcester Rugby Club.

Tickets for the event, which lasts from noon to 3.30pm, are available at £45 each. A table of 10 can be booked at a reduced rate of £425. To book, call 01905 745735 or visit www.noahsarktrust.co.uk To help raise funds for Noah's Ark contact Mary Irish on 01905 745735.