SOUTHAMPTON youngsters can look forward to opening a mountain of presents this Christmas.

The "kind-hearted" people of the city have been praised for their generosity after a record number of toys were donated as part of a city-wide toy appeal.

An "astonishing" 10,600 toys have been donated to the city council's Festive Toy Appeal since it launched on November 14.

The haul of toys includes craft sets, videos games, vouchers and even drones.

They will be given to children aged up to 18-years-old who are supported by the council's children’s services.

Donations were made by a range of organisations including local police, Co-Op, UPS UK, Balfour Beatty, police and fire services. –

Toys were also donated by the public at collection points in Westquay and across the city.

The toy appeal was given a boost when it was backed by Saints Star James Ward-Prowse.

This year’s total of 10,600 gifts donated is significantly higher than last year’s total of 7,000.

The toys are being stored at Westquay and a council lock-up and will be given to children by support workers.

Cllr Darren Paffey, the cabinet member for aspiration, children and lifelong learning, said: "I’d like to say a huge thank you to people across Southampton who have truly outdone themselves this year with their generosity, kindness and compassion for children in the city.

"Special mention must also go to our fantastic partner organisations who have done so much to encourage donations and help make it a Christmas to remember for children in the city – we couldn’t have done it without you!”

General Manager of Westquay, Andy Collyer, said: "It was a privilege to work with Southampton City Council once again on this amazing initiative. We are delighted with the fantastic response we have received from our customers who have donated a record number of toys at Westquay. We hope these gifts brighten up the Christmas of many children in Southampton who might have otherwise gone without."

A council spokesperson added: "There have been lots of toys to wrap but fortunately we’ve had plenty of help from Southampton City Council colleagues and other organisations, including staff from St Mary’s fire station who took time out their busy day to help wrap presents.

"Some of the children supported by our children’s services teams might be facing difficult circumstances and there are families who have fallen on hard times through no fault of their own – we want to ensure that as many of them as possible have a gift and help put a smile on their faces, whatever their circumstances."