AN appeal has been launched by a West Devon charity to help provide special Christmas breaks for disadvantaged children.

A host of celebrities including Oscar winning actress Kate Winslet, comedian Jennifer Saunders and former English cricket captain David Gower, have backed the CHICKS at Christmas Appeal, which is raising money to provide disadvantaged children with a much needed respite break with the charity this Christmas and throughout 2015.

CHICKS patron and comedian Jennifer Saunders said: 'Christmas is a very special time for children and the idea of them spending it alone or not being able to celebrate it all is both shocking and heart-breaking. 

'The fact that CHICKS will be providing children with the opportunity to enjoy Christmas in a safe, caring and fun environment is incredible and as a CHICKS patron I couldn't be prouder of their fantastic work.

'Thanks to them, a group of children will be able to experience a very special and memorable Christmas they otherwise wouldn't have, which is one of the greatest gifts they could receive. I hope others will join me in supporting this fantastic cause.'

The children are aged between eight to 13 years old and come from right across the UK, including the south west.

The children all face a number of challenges which mean they are unable to spend a traditional Christmas at home, including living in poverty, being a young carer for disabled relatives and living in temporary or emergency care.

Head of fundraising and communications at CHICKS Tim Bunting said: 'It is hard to believe that this year one in three children will be spending Christmas in poverty and over 700,000 will be spending it caring for a sick or disabled relative.

'Last year, we helped a 15-year-old boy who had been so badly neglected that he didn't even have access to running water.

'The reality is that many children will be missing out on the magic of Christmas this year. With the help of our supporters CHICKS is hoping to change that for a group of children and to give them a Christmas they'll remember for years to come as well as providing much needed respite breaks for children next year too.'

During their week long break (December 23 to 27) the children will take part in a wide range of activities and festivities including a trip to the pantomime, visiting Father Christmas, gingerbread making and more at the charity's retreats in Cornwall and Devon.

To support the CHICKS at Christmas Appeal, donations can be made by calling 01822 811020 or online at http://www.chicks.org.uk">www.chicks.org.uk or send a donation to: CHICKS at Christmas Appeal, CHICKS Moorland Retreat, Brentor, Devon, PL19 0LX.

l CHICKS is holding a Santa Sprint in Callington on December 6. Join hundreds of festive, fundraising Santas on the route through Callington and help raise funds for CHICKS. Entry is £10 for adults and £5 for children and includes a Santa costume and medal. For information visit the website.