TIME is running out for you to help ensure thousands of children enjoy the magic of Christmas.

Final donations to the Mission Christmas festive appeal - backed by the News & Star Christmas Toy Appeal - must be made by Friday.

We have joined forces with CFM to support the Cash for Kids charity in its aim to help in excess of 7,000 youngsters across north and west Cumbria.

Without your generosity, they face the prospect of waking on Christmas morning with no presents to open.

There has been a tremendous response to the appeal so far, with generous donations at drop-off points and events including a trolley dash and a fundraising run by motorbike enthusiasts.

Chris Story, editor of the News & Star, said: “People really have been pulling out all of the stops to make a difference.

“We say this time and again, but the thought of any child waking on Christmas morning without a present to open is heartbreaking.

“With the support of our readers, we are able to do our bit to ensure that at least some children living in poverty - or in families for whom Christmas is a serious struggle - will be able to enjoy some of the season’s magic.

“Please use these next few days to ensure they have the experiences that all youngsters should.”

WHERE YOU CAN DONATE

CARLISLE AREA

  • News & Star, Newspaper House, Dalston Road
  • Grahams News, Kingstown Road, Kingstown,
  • J. Balchin & Son, Central Avenue
  • Morrisons, Kingstown Road
  • Notmans Newsagents, Stonegarth, Morton
  • Stanwix Newsagents, Scotland Road, Stanwix
  • Brampton Post Office, Front Street, Brampton
  • Julie Vevers, Swan Street, Longtown
  • Civic Centre, Rickergate, Carlisle
  • Tourist Information Centre, Old Town Hall, Market St, Carlisle

COCKERMOUTH AREA

  • Sainsburys, Station Road

WHITEHAVEN AREA

  • Tesco, North Shore Road

WORKINGTON AREA

  • Tesco, New Bridge Road,

Workington

  • Morrisons, Derwent Drive, Workington

For more details about the appeal - and how you can help - go to cfmradio.com/mission