KIDDERMINSTER-based UKIP MEP James Carver is backing our Shuttle Christmas Gift Appeal by opening his offices up as a donation point.

Generous readers of the Shuttle who are looking buy presents for the appeal - run in partnership with Home-Start Wyre Forest - can drop them off at the offices in Lisle Avenue, weekdays between 9am and 5pm.

Mr Carver said he was delighted to get involved in the appeal, which enables presents to be delivered to every child in receipt of support from Home-Start across the Wyre Forest district.

After making his contribution, Mr Carver said: "At this special time of the year, it is important to acknowledge that life is not that easy for many families and to do something to help ease the pressures, bring some festive joy and let them know that people care about them."

Donated gifts for youngsters aged from 0 to 18 must be new and unwrapped, and can be taken to Mr Carver’s offices only up until Tuesday, December 12 - or any of the other collection points across Wyre Forest, until Friday, December 15.

Other drop off points this year include the Home-Start offices, in New Road, Kidderminster; the Swan Centre Management Suite; the Weavers Wharf Management Suite; Midcounties Co-op stores in Kidderminster, Bewdley and Stourport; Tesco Superstore, in Castle Road; As One Vegan Lifestyle, in Stourport; Baxter College and the Civic Hall, in Stourport.

Home-Start staff and volunteers will then wrap and distribute the presents in time for Christmas.

Belinda Darby, Home-Start manager, added: "We are most grateful to Mr Carver for offering his offices as a donation point.

"Every year we are amazed by the support we get for the appeal and at the quality and quantity of the gifts donated.

"It means so much to the families we support who are facing very challenging times and, of course, the children loved opening their surprise presents."