THE Salvation Army nationally holds an appeal during the festive season for families who cannot afford the extra expense of Christmas, and now the Salvation Army in Tavistock wants to join the appeal.

Major Dawn McGarvey said: 'Now that I work in Tavistock full time and have been involved with local families especially with my involvement at the food bank, I know that many families are struggling week by week and the extra expense of Christmas is overwhelming.

'We hope to use referrals from the children's centre and social services because they are working with very needy families.'

To help with the appeal, St Eustachius' Church is holding a toy service on December 2 at 9.45am. New unwrapped toys would be gratefully received.

The Salvation Army in Tavistock is also partnering with Kaleidospoe Toys in Brook Street, who will hold a list of suggested toys. They will also keep donated toys to pass on to the appeal.

Any monetary donations can be sent to The Salvation Army, c/o 3 Town Mill Gardens, Tavistock, PL19 0JG.