Residents at the Women's Aid refuge in York have fled the nightmare of domestic violence.

These women and children have been forced to abandon their homes in terror, and they often arrive with nothing.

It is a bleak prospect at any time of year, but at Christmas their plight is all the more poignant.

But thanks to an incredibly generous response from Evening Press readers to our toy appeal, the picture is considerably brighter.

Donations of toys, games and other gifts have flooded into our offices.

Your abundance of seasonal spirit has ensured that Christmas at the refuge will be a much merrier affair.

Thank you.