DONATIONS of an "exceptional" quality have been flooding in for this year's Central Fife Times Toy Appeal.

In November we teamed up with the Benarty, Cowdenbeath and Dunfermline foodbanks and ExxonMobil to ensure that no child would go without a gift from Santa this year.

And readers across the Central Fife area have dug deep to help us deliver some Christmas cheer.

Sandra Beveridge, the project manager at Dunfermline Foodbank, which oversees the Benarty and Cowdenbeath branches, said: "The toy appeal has gone well this year and the quality of toys we have received to pass on to clients has been exceptional.

"We can't thank the people of West and Central Fife enough for their generosity in these hard times. It's hard for us all at this time of year but during a crisis, it's worse.

"Christmas time brings out the best in people but in this area, we look after each other all year round."

As donations continue to come in for the Toy Appeal, volunteers will be giving out toys to those in need alongside their regular food parcels.

But as the foodbank gears up for a busy January, we are asking those who could not donate a toy to consider donating food items to the charity.

They are always in need of non-perishable food items to give out to their clients, and they accept the following: tinned foods including meat, fish, potatoes, vegetables, long life milk, coffee and tea, sugar, Mug Shots or Cuppa Soups, tinned macaroni or spaghetti, instant mashed potatoes, long life or diluting juice, and cheesy pasta.

Other essentials such as washing up liquid, shampoo and conditioner are also welcome.

At this time they are also in need of good quality carrier bags or bags for life.

Items can be dropped off at the Benarty and Cowdenbeath Foodbanks.

Benarty is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, while Cowdenbeath is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays, both 4pm to 6pm. Or you can take them to the foodbank's warehouse at Unit 1C, Pitreavie Business Park, Dunfermline, on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday, between 4pm and 6pm.

Alternatively, the foodbank operates permanent collection points in the local Tesco and Asda stores, so donations can also be made there.

Thank you so much for your support and generosity.