A toy appeal will benefit from a Loughborough pharmaceutical firm's Christmas lunch.

Staff at AstraZeneca are being encouraged to make a donation to Charnwood Christmas Toy Appeal. The company will also hand over marble games which had been used at a site fund-raising event.

Mags Walsh, of the toy appeal, said the scheme gave toys and games to 462 children aged up to 11 last year.

She said: "We decided to raise the age we help to 16 and, so far, we have had around 800 youngsters referred to us by schools, social services and various other community sources.

"We would very much appreciate financial donations as these allow us to buy something to match each child's interests."

Anyone who would like to make a donation can contact Ms Walsh by calling 07736 645848 or e-mailing magswalsh@compuserve.com