Hundreds of presents for children in Sutton who may not have had some to open on Christmas Day have been sent out following a massive appeal.

Sutton police received an “incredible” 640 gifts from residents in the borough and several schools, while many also donated towards a present through a JustGiving page.

Roughly half of the gifts taken in have been sent out already, on December 17, and the rest will be distributed by the end of this week.

Children and young people up to the age of 17 who are in care, living in low-income households, as well as those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are among the recipients.

Pictures taken in the force's office show it was full of bags containing presents that were then wrapped and sent on their way, forming of Scotland Yard’s annual #MetXmasTree appeal.

 

A Sutton police spokesman said: “Year-on-year, we have received a greater number of presents and Sutton police would like to thank everyone who gave a gift or donation.

“It may be a small contribution but it can make a big difference to a young person who really needs it.”

The Metropolitan Police launched its annual charity appeal earlier this year in a bid to ensure thousands of children across London received a gift at Christmas.

Scotland Yard's Christmas Tree Appeal, which began in 2012, went ahead on November 7 and saw trees light up outside police stations, as well as other public places, in all 32 boroughs.

Presents have been given to kids and young people aged from as young as a week old right up to 17, benefitting those in need.

This includes those being cared for by foster parents, in care homes, refuges, hospitals, and people in low-income families.