The Salvation Army in Penge has helped children in 30 needy families in response to the Pass the Parcel appeal organised by Richard and Judy of ITVs This Morning programme.

Community manager Don Jones sent a message of thanks to the kind-hearted shoppers who donated 100 new toys at the Penge and Beckenham branches of Boots.

The grateful recipients included four children with a single mum, and refugees from eastern Europe and troubled Palestine.

Mr Jones said: Bromleys social services helped find the families. The presents included cuddly toys, Lego, Bob the Builder and pop CDs.