The Mall Blackburn is once again supporting Secret Santa in its bid to deliver toys to the area’s most underprivileged families this Christmas.

A donation station has been set up outside The Mall’s Ask Me Point as part of the 2022 toy appeal, and shoppers are being asked to drop off presents for more than 1,000 children across the borough.

Loraine Jones, general manager at The Mall Blackburn, said: “Secret Santa has grown to become a lifeline for families and individuals across Blackburn with Darwen and their efforts to help people all year round are relentless.

“We assist them with their Easter and Secret Sheik appeals and we are delighted to be an official collection point for Christmas gifts again this year.

“The local community always rallies round to make sure even the most disadvantaged children in our area can enjoy opening some lovingly chosen gifts on Christmas Day.”

Phil Boulding, who founded Secret Santa with his wife Karen, said: “While Christmas should be the most wonderful time of the year, it can be very worrying for families who cannot afford to buy presents for their children.

“Sadly, this year has been extremely difficult with many more families finding themselves in this position, so we will work extra hard to help as many as possible.

“We’re aiming to provide a sack of seven presents to more than 1000 local children to open on Christmas morning.

“We would also be very grateful for cash donations that allow us to purchase age/gender specific gifts.

“Cash donations allow us to fill gaps between what toys are donated, and the toys that we need.

“These are then delivered to parents or carers to wrap up and give to the area’s little ones most in need.”

In 2019, The Mall made a rent-free store available to act as the Secret Santa HQ and has been working with them for the last three years.

Located below the clock tower on King William Street, the unit gives the organisation a high street presence to sell new and preloved items and raise awareness of its work.

In 2021 Secret Santa was selected as The Mall’s Charity of the Year, with more than £3,600 being raised.

Collection containers for toy donations are available at The Mall’s Ask Me Point and people can donate cash in store or online.