HARRY POTTER goodies, cuddly toys, selection boxes, Action Men, dolls, books, jigsaws, building blocks and enough Christmas wrap to cover the Bar Walls... no, it's not the prizes from the Generation Game.

All of the above and much more have been donated by generous readers of the Evening Press in response to our fifth Toys For Christmas appeal for the Women's Aid refuge in York.

Donations filled at least five huge Santa sacks and as many cardboard boxes, making this year's appeal the most successful yet.

The toys, as well as presents for mums, will go towards bringing a bit of Christmas cheer to the eight families - including 13 children - living in the refuge.

And this year there was an extra surprise - fundraising by Evening Press staff amassed £452 for York Women's Aid, the charity which runs the safe haven for women and children fleeing violence at home.

"What a brilliant effort - we're delighted," said Lisa, of Women's Aid. "There is something for everyone here, without doubt. Some of the kids with us will never have been in a situation where it has been possible to have a proper Christmas."

Updated: 09:28 Saturday, December 22, 2001