Three congregations in Pembroke Dock are encouraging worshippers and the wider community to help them share the true spirit of Christmas with local families.

Working with Pembrokeshire's very own PATCH, an appeal launches this Sunday at St. John's Church, St. Patrick's Church and St. Teilo's Church.

Vicar, Rev. Nicky Skipworth, says: "When PATCH told us about their Christmas Toy Appeal, all three congregations were eager to be involved in such a helpful and cheerful scheme. So we are launching our part of the appeal this Sunday, October 19, in all three churches, including our wonderful parish family communion at 10.30 am in St. John's Church on the corner of Church Street and Bush Street.

"Everyone's welcome to come and drop off a toy at any act of worship between now and Sunday, December 7; please stay and join us, it's great for every kind of family! We will then write to Father Christmas to ask him to please put them down PATCH's chimney for us. It's going to be an amazing Christmastime for all three congregations with so many lovely events being planned, plus this year's Christmas animal hunt all over the town!"

PATCH says that it would be especially helpful for cuddly toys, board games, colouring books and crayons and puzzles, plus non-battery operated items to be donated, but all items must be new. The local welfare organisation, which does so much to help people in real need, adds that donations of large boxes, festive wrapping paper and Sellotape are invited. Toys should be left unwrapped as well.

Typically for the Pembrokeshire charity, gifts will be given in a way which will enable either parents or Father Christmas to get the praise, not PATCH.

For more information, please contact the Vicar on 01646 687825 or visit the parish on Facebook at 'The United Parish of Pembroke Dock.