Children cared for by a charity will receive a Christmas treat with toys donated by supermarket customers.

Tesco stores across Enfield collected toys from customers to send to Enfield Parent and Children, a charity that helps vulnerable children and their families in the borough.

Tesco in Ponders End and Lea Valley Tesco Extra set up festive areas at the front of their stores so shoppers could drop off toys while doing their shopping.

The collection started on Monday, December 1 and so far, almost 100 toys have been donated with any money raised will see an addition £1,000 given by Tesco to the charity.

Judith Mulligan, chief executive for Enfield Parent and Children, said: “Enfield has approximately 23,000 children living in poverty. Faced with that level of disadvantage it can be hard to know how best to help, but toys are a lovely way to start. Thanks to the generosity of Enfield customers children will be waking up on Christmas morning to unwrap toys and we would like to thank Tesco’s for their support.”

Edmonton MP Andy Love also got into the festive spirit by helping with the donations.

He said: “I am a big fan of Enfield Parents & Children and the work they do to enable our children and young people to take part in activities and experiences that might not otherwise be available to them.

“I know they have supported so many families in Edmonton and I was only too happy to support them by helping promote Tesco’s toy collection.  I have no doubt that the toys will go to deserving homes and I welcome the store’s £1,000 donation to a great local cause.”

Marcie Thomas, Tesco Borough community champion for Enfield, added: “We all remember how excited we were to unwrap presents on Christmas morning. We want to make sure as many local children in Enfield get to experience that magical feeling.

“We know that Enfield Parent & Children does fantastic work in the local community and we’re delighted to support them this Christmas. Thanks to the generosity of our customers we are already well on the way to making Christmas that little bit extra special.”