WILLIAM Howard School has launched a toy and game appeal in aid of Eden Valley Hospice. 

The Brampton secondary school is asking for donations of 'working toys, games, or unwanted gifts' that are in good working condition, with all of these items set to be given to the Carlisle-based charity. 

The appeal has been fronted by the school's Eden House and its head Steven Byers commented on why the appeal had been launched.

He said: "The Eden Vally Hospice and Jigsaw Children’s Hospice has been the chosen charity for our House for many years now.

"Many students and staff will have known people who have required the care of the hospices, so it’s particularly poignant.

"At the beginning of this academic year, the House names in school changed, so it’s particularly fitting that our House was renamed 'Eden'.

"Last year when we ran a similar appeal, the shopping trolley was filled three times over. We’re hoping that people will be able to support us as well this time."

Sixth-form pupil Laura Hetherington is one of the student heads of Eden House also expressed her feelings on the importance of the appeal which has already received widespread support, with toys and games piling up in the donation trolley situated in the school's foyer.

She said: "We hope to get as many donations as possible. It makes good sense to pass on any unwanted items so they can be used to benefit the hospice and those who need its care.

"I’m sure there’ll be lots of toys and games that are no longer played with in people’s cupboards."