A Christmas toy appeal has brought in more than 12,500 presents to bring a smile to children's faces this festive season.

Eastern Daily Press: KLFM's Simon Rowe handed over presents for children and adults at the QEH in King's Lynn. Picture: Ian BurtKLFM's Simon Rowe handed over presents for children and adults at the QEH in King's Lynn. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

King's Lynn-based local radio station KL.FM967 has been collecting gifts outside supermarkets across West Norfolk, Fakenham and Wisbech for the last two weeks.

The station's breakfast presenter Simon Rowe said this year's appeal had brought in toys worth more than £20,000.

'It's overwhelming to see the community come together to put a smile on every child's face,' he said.

'We'd like to give a massive thank you all of the supermarkets that have taken part, especially Hardwick Tescos where we filled 20 trolleys with toys in two hours, but also all of their customers who have donated toys and all of those who have been a part of such a really worth while cause.'

Mr Rowe said a large toy mechanical digger and some DVDs he hadn't seen were his favourites of all the items collected.

Items have all been wrapped ready for delivery by an army of volunteers, using wrapping paper donated by supermarkets.

Some of the toys have already been handed over to children on the Rudham and Oxburgh children's wards, along with the paediatrics and A&E departments at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Lynn.

As well as the hospital the appeal aims to donate toys to young people's drama group the Lavender Hill Mob, the Salvation Army's branches in Kings Lynn and Wisbech, women's refuges across Norfolk as well as Kings Lynn-based charity Scotty's Little Soldiers.

Scotty's supports children who have lost a parent in the armed services, providing a lifeline for hundreds of bereaved families around the country.

Tammy Green, a fund raiser with the charity, said: 'It makes a huge difference at a very difficult time of year.

'Not only putting a smile on every child's face but also the gifts providing family's with financial support.'

In a message to everyone who donated to the appeal on its website, KL.FM said: 'You've put a massive smile on so many kids' faces or otherwise would be waking with nothing to open on Christmas Day.

'We can't thank you enough - you've been incredible.'