Shoppers in King's Lynn are being urged to spread a little Christmas cheer among the children of servicemen and women killed in action.

Scotty's Little Soldiers, the charity that provides days out and gifts for the children of the fallen, is urging people to add a small present to their Christmas shopping to help bring a smile to bereaved youngsters.

Generous shoppers can drop a gift off at a collection point outside Sainsbury's at the Vancouver Centre on Saturday, December 3.

The charity, run by war widow Nikki Scott, whose husband Lee was killed in Afghanistan in 2009, currently helps nearly 30 children across the UK, from babies under the age of one who have never seen their fathers to 14-year-olds.

Gifts will be sorted into age ranges and sent off to families in time for Christmas Eve.

Nikki, who has two children of her own, knows that Christmas can be an emotional time for children who have lost a parent.

'It's a time when families are traditionally together, so the absence of their fathers for the children can be particularly difficult,' she said.

'It would be lovely to let these youngsters know that there are people out there thinking of them at this time.

'If, when people are out doing their Christmas shopping for their own family and friends, they could put an extra little something in their basket for our youngsters then it would mean so much to them.'

Abbie Panks, from the Vancouver Centre, said she was delighted to be able to help out by providing space for the collection point.

'We're right behind Nikki's appeal for people to give a little something to these poor children this Christmas,' she added.

'It's a great charity that makes a real difference to youngsters whose lives have been torn apart by war.'

If they can't get into the town on Saturday, people can send gifts to Scotty's Little Soldiers, PO BOX 202 Wisbech, PE14 4DJ.