A CHESHIRE children's charity has praised our readers' amazing support for a campaign that aims to bring smiles to faces of ill, disabled and disadvantaged children across Halton this Christmas.

The Children's Adventure Farm Trust (CAFT)'s Selection Box Appeal will provide a magical Christmas Party experience to in the region of 1,600 children this year.

But time for donating to the appeal is running out, with the deadline a week tomorrow (Friday, December 13) and the organisers have launched a final plea for your support to help make the children's celebrations on the big day that little bit more special.

Last year the charity collected 3,895 boxes through its appeal and hopes, with your help, to beat that figure this year.

Helen Crowther, from CAFT, told Runcorn & Widnes World today: "So far we've received just under 1,500 Selection Boxes, which is amazing, but actually down on last year’s total when we collected 3,895.

"The people of Halton have been so generous already, and we're very grateful to everyone who has donated so far, but we need more chocolate please!

"The Selection Boxes we collect will be given to the children visiting us at CAFT for a Christmas Party this year, as well as those from communities around the region who can’t get to a party, such as those from Claire House Hospice who we recently visited and local foodbanks and other charities.

"We have put a final date for donations of Friday December 13 our posters, but as the three drop off points in Halton - Runcorn and Widnes Fire Stations and Fleek Hair & Beauty Salon in Runcorn Old Town - are open at the weekend we'll still gratefully accept donations over that weekend."

Each child visiting the charity for a party will be treated to a day full of all things festive, including a visit to their Christmas Barn to meet the animals, a disco, party games, a turkey dinner and a visit to the Elves Workshop for festive arts and crafts.

The highlight of their day however will be their visit to Santa when they will each be given a sack full of carefully matched gifts, kindly donated by the charity's supporters.

They'll also be given sweet treats to take home, which is where the charity needs your help.