JCB is getting into the festive spirit with the launch of its annual toy appeal to bring Christmas cheer to children.

The JCB Christmas Toy Appeal got under way with the setting up of 14 special collection points at the company’s factories in Staffordshire, Derbyshire, and Wrexham where employees can donate new and unused toys and gifts. The appeal culminates on Thursday, November 30th, when the gifts will be handed over to three charities: the NSPCC, the Stoke-on-Trent Hubb Foundation and Wrexham-based Yellow and Blue.

At JCB’s World HQ in Rocester, a special JCB Christmas digger collection point has been set up in the reception area so employees - and members of the public - can drop off their festive donations.

Employees at JCB’s other factories in Uttoxeter, Cheadle, Hixon, Foston and Wrexham are supporting the appeal and organisers are aiming to top last year’s donation of 1,000 gifts across the company.

JCB Group HR Director Max Jeffery said:

“The JCB Christmas Toy Appeal is a real team effort which will make a huge difference to children in the communities in which we live and work. Our appeal last year was a resounding success with more than 1,000 gifts donated by employees across all our UK sites.”

JCB apprentices Abbie Graham, 22, of Uttoxeter, Ioan Evans, 21, of Rocester, Lisa Gamble, 22, of Stone, and Luke Zona, 21, of Ashbourne, are helping to co-ordinate the appeal.

Ioan said: “It is a real privilege to help organise this event for such a great cause. The gifts are for children who may get nothing, or very little, at Christmas so every gift will truly make a difference.”