A CHRISTMAS toy appeal has been hailed a resounding success after receiving more than 7,000 toys.

The annual appeal by the Salvation Army has had more support this year than ever before, receiving a record number of donations from schools, shops and the police.

Collected toys will now be distributed to less fortunate families across North Staffordshire.

The appeal received a further boost yesterday when it was presented with £200 by Wolstanton company Castle Comfort Stairlifts at Wolstanton's Working Men's Club.

Dr Neil Stirling, a Castle Comfort volunteer, dressed as Father Christmas and presented the cheque. Dr Stirling, aged 83, of Nantwich, said: "I think the appeal is a great idea and am not at all surprised that everyone seems to be getting more generous."

Wolstanton's Working Men's Club also lent its support by providing a Christmas tree for people to put donations under.

Members were encouraged to pick a tag from the tree and buy presents aimed at the age written on it.

But the appeal proved so popular that the club began receiving donations before the tree was even decorated.

President Michael Downing, aged 63, of Wolstanton, said: "We've done these before and it's always gone really well. People come and put their presents by the tree. This year we must have had 500 presents before the tree was decorated."

One long-term supporter of the appeal is Robbie Williams's mum Jan Williams.

She said: "I'm very privileged to be part of this. I got involved four years ago and it's been an ongoing thing where I've helped with the promotion.

"Robbie's got his name behind it and I know he's a huge supporter of this. It's quite strange how people perceive Potteries people. They say they're so kind and wonder if they're putting it on.

"It's genuine because we listen and are sympathetic and, without a shadow of a doubt, I think this is demonstrated by the amount of toys donated."

Teresa Dunn, aged 58, centre manager for the Chesterton Salvation Army, said: "Robbie Williams is a great ambassador for us. When he was touring he put our details on his website and we were receiving presents from as far away as Germany and Australia. We've been doing this for many years and this year we've had lot of support from schools, shops, the working men's club and the police.

"More than 7,000 toys is a wonderful achievement. I work with the families that this will help, deprived families, refugees and victims of domestic violence.

"Their need is very great and this is filling that little gap for them, the gift they receive could be the only gift they receive this Christmas.

"This is the fifth year I've been involved with the appeal and it gets better every year. Helping people across North Staffordshire is what the Salvation Army do.