Christmas spirit was alive and well in West Norfolk, as a festive toy appeal got under way.

Shoppers and store staff filled three trolleys full of presents in the first 10 minutes when a local radio station's Christmas collectors pitched up outside Sainsbury's superstore in King's Lynn.

Simon Rowe, breakfast presenter on Lynn-based KL.FM967, said he hoped this year's appeal would beat the mountain of gifts which filled the independent station's studios last year, before being dished out to children across the region.

'We had thousands of presents before we finished last year,' said Mr Rowe, as a steady stream of shoppers brought a toy or toys they had picked up with their shopping to donate.

'With most presents costing between £5 and £10 you're looking at something like £50,000 worth of presents, which is just totally amazing.'

When the appeal ends in 10 days' time, presents which have been donated will go to childrens' wards at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, armed forces charity Scotty's Little Soldiers, Broadland Housing, Salvation Army, foster carers and all 450 children who are currently being looked after by social services in West Norfolk.

An army of volunteers including the King's Lynn Ladies Circle, the scouts and other groups will wrap them all up ready for delivery, fortified by mince pies.

Toys can be donated at the following supermarkets around West Norfolk between 11am and 1pm on the following days:

Friday, December 1 - Morrisons, King's Lynn

Monday, December 4 - ASDA, South Wootton

Tuesday, December 5 - Tesco, Gaywood

Wednesday, December 6 - Tesco, Downham Market

Thursday, December 7 - Tesco Extra, King's Lynn

Friday, December 8 - Morrisons, Fakenham.

Items can also be taken to the radio station's reception counter in Blackfriars Street, near the Vancouver Quarter in King's Lynn or appeal sponsors J&K Glass and Glazing at Unit 4 and 5 Station Road, Terrington St Clement.

Toys donated must be brand new and unopened. Mr Rowe said while collectors were always given plenty of items for younger children, they also needed items suitable for teenagers.