MORE than 1,000 gifts have been donated for children across Teignbridge to a cafe in Teignmouth.

Melissa Middleton BEM uses her Whistlestop Cafe at Teignmouth railway station as a drop off point for toys and presents to be donated and distributed to families facing a tough Christmas.

Many of the gifts go to children who would otherwise not receive a present at all.

Most of the Christmas presents are given out by local charity HITS Foodbank, either directly or through schools, children’s centres, faith and community groups or social service.

Chairman of HITS, David Cox said: ‘This year, we are expecting the number of families requesting help, due to rise as a result of the cost of living crisis.

‘Melissa is amazing, after a hard day working at the café, she comes with other wonderful volunteers to pack our Christmas Hampers.’

Volunteers deliver the Christmas presents over weekends, to supplement the foodbanks regular volunteers who are dealing with unprecedented demand.

Cllr Martin Wrigley, the councillor in charge of the cost of living response, told the MDA: ‘Teignbridge is blessed with a great network of community groups and charities, who come together with the businesses and statuary sector, to help in any crisis.

‘The Whistlestop café is an example of that partnership.

‘I would urge residents to use their local shops, you won’t see online retailers helping like local businesses.’

Anyone who can help is asked to take good or as new present to the Whistlestop café.

All gifts gratefully received, however here is a particular shortage of boy’s toys.