Families across Mansfield had a Christmas to remember thanks to the generosity of the public and businesses who donated to a Secret Santa Appeal.

Mansfield District Council received more than 1,200 donations to its plea, which meant hundreds of children and adults were guaranteed a gift to open on Christmas Day.

Mayor Andy Abrahams said: “The response we receive for this appeal, year after year, never ceases to amaze me.

“I also want to say a huge thank you to the Mansfield Smyths team, who have supported this appeal every year and enable us to reach hundreds more families through their in-store donations and generous financial gifts.”

The appeal is run in partnership with Mansfield Building Society and Mansfield Business Improvement District (BID).

Collection points around the district saw floods of donations throughout the campaign from members of the publc.

Businesses also gave hundreds of toiletries, clothes, and toys, including creative marketing agency Linney and R.E.A.L Education.

Among monetary donations were £500 from the Mayor 500 Fund and £500 from Mansfield Building Society.

Wayne Leatherland, of Smyths, Portland Retail Park, added: “We see daily the joy that children have on their faces when they receive a toy at Christmas and we wanted every child to experience this, particularly in these challenging financial times.”

Gifts were distributed to children’s centres, FOOD clubs, schools, not-for-profit organisations, and refuges.

Vickie Preston, head of HR at Mansfield Building Society, said: “It’s heartwarming to see so many people coming together to support local vulnerable people.”

BID chief executive Jay Rowlinson added: “It just goes to show what can be achieved when people and businesses pull together to support one another.”

Mayor Andy Abrahams  joined Mansfield BID’s Daryl McGreade and Wayne Leatherland, manager of Smyths, which donated an extra £100-worth of gifts and a 10 percent discount during the last round of buying at the toy shop last week. The appeal is now closed.