A Vauxhall car dealership in Southampton is gathering toys and gifts for disadvantaged children in the city at Christmas.

Snows Vauxhall Southampton, on Portsmouth Road in Sholing, has loaned a spacious Vivaro van to organise the presents of this year’s Mission Christmas appeal.

Mission Christmas is run by Cash for Kids, the official charity partner of South Coast radio station, Wave 105.

The Vivaro van, complete with festive livery featuring Father Christmas, is being used to collect toys handed in at drop-off points across the South.

The gifts will then be sorted out, so that children will receive age-appropriate presents, before they are handed over to youngsters and their families ready for the big day on 25 December.

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Andrew Elliott, Sales Manager at the dealership in Sholing, said: ‘‘Christmas is such a special time for children and all youngsters should receive a gift from Santa Claus on Christmas Day, no matter what their circumstances.

‘‘We’re delighted to be playing a small part in this year’s Mission Christmas appeal and if Santa’s sleigh breaks down on Christmas Eve, our specially liveried Vauxhall Vivaro van will be available.’’

The Snows Vauxhall Southampton team have said that they are delighted to be playing their part in making this year’s Mission Christmas appeal a seasonal success.

Cash for Kids is a grant-giving charity helping the children who need it most across the UK.

Its mission is to improve the lives of disadvantaged young people in our communities who are affected by poverty, illness, neglect or have additional needs.

Samantha Tanner, Charity Manager at Cash for Kids South, said: ‘‘We are very grateful for the support of the team at Snows Vauxhall Southampton.

“The van they have kindly supplied looks fantastic and is playing an important role in helping this year’s Mission Christmas appeal run smoothly.’’

“At Cash for Kids we believe that all children should be able to express their individuality, achieve their potential and live life to the full – and that includes a Christmas gift.”