Boycie gets behind Shropshire Star toy appeal

John, best known for playing shifty used car dealer Boycie in the classic sitcom, said he was thrilled to be supporting the appeal, which the newspaper is running in partnership with Shrewsbury-based Storage King.

The star, who yesterday scotched rumours that he would be appearing in the next series of I'm A Celebrity, said: "I am delighted to be supporting the Shropshire Star's toy appeal, it will make such a difference to hundreds of children who are in need."

It's easy to give to our appeal. Toys can be donated at our two drop-off points.

• In Telford: Shropshire Star, Waterloo Road, Ketley TF1 5HU. From 8am-6pm Monday to Friday. Saturday 8am-1pm.

• In Shrewsbury: Storage King, Archers Way, Battlefield Enterprise Park, Shrewsbury, SY1 3GA. From 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday. On Saturdays the base is open from 10am to 4pm.[/breakout]

The actor, who lives on the Shropshire/Herefordshire border, is currentlyt touring with his theatre show, Only Fools and Boycie.

He said: "As we rush about making our own preparations, it is easy for us to lose sight of those less fortunate than ourselves. But as we look forward to spending Christmas with our children and grandchildren, we should remember that for some children it will be a difficult time indeed.

"Every child deserves the best possible Christmas, so please help to make it a happy time for those youngsters less fortunate than ourselves.

"Every toy donated will be a much-loved present to a child living in circumstances which none of us would wish to experience. Some might be battling with serious illnesses, others might come from broken families or be living in acute poverty. Please give generously to bring a little joy to their lives."

We are asking for new toys and games for children of all ages, which will be shared among a number of worthy causes in the county.

There are collections points at the Shropshire Star's head office in Ketley, Telford, and at Storage King's headquarters in Shrewsbury.

A number of charities and organisations have already signed up to receive toys, although it is still not too late for charities wanting to benefit to get in touch.

One thing that is certain is that all the gifts we receive will be used to help make Christmas special for children who are facing challenges or an uncertain future.

Hope House, which runs hospices for children with terminal or life-limiting illnesses, Shrewsbury and Telford hospitals, and Telford & Wrekin children's services will all benefit from your donations.

We will also be giving toys to the Harry Johnson Trust, which supports children receiving treatment for cancer and their families, and Climbing Out, which helps teenagers who have suffered life-changing injuries.

Alison Hankinson, at Storage King's head office in Shrewsbury, said: "Storage King is very proud to be working with the Shropshire Star to bring a toy appeal to the region this Christmas.

"There are many children and young adults who are going through hard times this Christmas. This could be for various reasons, undergoing medical treatment, living with a medical condition, or coming from a not-so-well-off family.

"All children and young adults, no matter what their circumstances and background, deserve to receive a present this Christmas.

"Please put a smile on someone's face this Christmas and help us raise as many toys as we can."