A major shopping centre has teamed up with a Renfrew mum to help bring some festive joy to disadvantaged children. 

Lauren Roy-Sutherland started the Renfrewshire Christmas Toy Appeal after she realised that several children in the area were receiving little or no presents at Christmas time.

Now, the kind-hearted woman's toy bank has received backing from a popular Christmas shopping destination.

Bosses at giant retail and leisure destination, intu Braehead have agreed to set up a collection point near the customer service desk in the upper mall for donations of gifts for children and teenagers up to the age of 18.

Shoppers are being urged to donate brand new toys, books, games, selection boxes, presents suitable for teenagers and even intu Gift Cards to the Renfrewshire Christmas Toy Appeal.

The group will then distribute the gifts to parents and carers of youngsters who have been referred by various charities, social workers, community groups and the Renfrewshire Food Bank.

Lauren, who's appeal is also backed by Paisley and Renfrew North MP, Gavin Newlands, said: “I started the toy bank because I realised that some children are given a huge amount of presents while others hardly get any, or none at all because their families can’t afford it.

“It’s a real shame that there is this inequality and kids suffer through no fault of their own. Our aim is to help families who are living in poverty.

“If you can donate even just one item, it can make a huge difference to a child on Christmas Day. It can give them self-esteem knowing they have had nice presents while other kids are telling their friends about how much they got at Christmas.”

Lauren added: “And of course, part of the joy of Christmas Day for children is unwrapping a Christmas present. Let’s make sure all children can experience that happiness.”

Lydia Brown, intu Braehead’s community development manager said: “It’s fantastic what Lauren and all the other volunteers at the Renfrewshire Toy Bank are doing.

“It must be heart-breaking for parents who can’t afford to give their kids presents at Christmas and it must be worse for the youngsters having to listen to their friends telling everyone how many presents they got to open on Christmas Day.

“I’m sure lots of people will rally round and donate even one item that can giver a child a really happy Christmas this year.”