Shoppers are being encouraged to buy and donate gifts this Christmas to help spread festive cheer to children in need and refugees.

Royal Victoria Place in Tunbridge Wells have provided pop-up units for the Mayor's Toy Appeal and Festive Threads gifting shop.

The Mayor's Toy Appeal will be next to Taste Wells in the Upper Mall until Saturday.

It hopes to provide toys, pencil cases, books, and arts and crafts supplies, for children between one and 18 years old who may be finding this time of year difficult or would not normally receive a Christmas gift.

It is accepting donations between 9.30am and 5pm on weekdays or at the customer service desk on Saturday between 9am and 6pm or Sunday between 10.30am and 4pm.

Visitors of the Festive Threads gifting shop will be encouraged to swap or buy Christmas jumpers for a £5 minimum donation.

They are raising money for partners Refugease - a UK charity which helps those fleeing conflict by providing them with much needed items, education, and transport to a safe location.

Nicky Blanchard, centre manager at Royal Victoria Place, said: “The Mayor’s Toy Appeal and Refugease both do incredibly valuable work to support those who may be struggling during this time of year – whether this be locally within Tunbridge Wells, or overseas in areas of conflict.

“We’re proud to be able to offer them both spaces at Royal Victoria Place to help drive donations and hope to help give families some Christmas joy.”