SHOPPERS have their last chance to support the Christmas Tree Appeal organised by the Shuttle/Times and News and Wyre Forest Business Club on Saturday.

The appeal, which aims to collect 400 gifts for Wyre Forest's needy children, received another big boost this week when Newsquest, owner of the Shuttle/Times and News, contributed £100 to buy presents.

The company has distributed hundreds of pounds to children's charities across Worcestershire instead of holding a Christmas party for its employees and their children.

The Christmas Tree Appeal stand will be manned in Kidderminster's Swan Centre for the last time on Saturday from 10am until 4pm when shoppers can take a tag bearing the name and age of a child and return it with a suitable gift.

Sandra Wadhams, of the appeal organising committee, is delighted with the response so far.

She said: "We are already three-quarters of the way towards our target of 400 gifts after nearly 100 people supported us on Saturday.

"It was not only adults who helped us out. A youngster donated a big bar of chocolate after our seeing our stand - it just goes to show young people are doing their bit too."

The Hansel and Gretel family support group will make sure the presents are delivered to needy children across the district in time for Christmas.