THE Kentish Express newspaper has joined forces with the Salvation Army and Boots to launch the Pass the Parcel toy appeal for Christmas. There will be some homes across the paper's region where there are no grins in just under six weeks time for children who, for a number of reasons, will not be waking up to a pile of presents or spending the time with their family.

The idea of this Christmas campaign, officially launched this week, is to give them all a Christmas to remember too. The newspaper is asking readers to wander through toy departments in the next few weeks and think about needy youngsters.

Readers are being requested to place a game, doll, teddy or other gift in their basket for disadvantaged children and young people aged between birth and 16. Presents for teenage boys are particularly welcome.

Do not wrap the present. Take it to your nearest Boots high street store in either Folkestone, Hythe, Ashford or Tenterden which will have collection points inside from Monday. Hand your donation to any member of staff up until Sunday, December 16.

The Salvation Army bases in Folkestone, Hythe and Ashford will then distribute the gifts to boys, girls and teenagers across the region in the nine days before Christmas chosen with the help of local clubs, societies, voluntary and support groups, family centres and the social services. The Kentish Express will be helping with the deliveries.

Captain Carole Babstock, commanding officer of the Hythe's Salvation Army corps, said: "We cannot provide this care on our own. We can only do what we do because of the tremendous generosity of the public. Anyone can take part in this appeal and it really doesn't have to be an expensive gift to bring a smile."

The appeal also has the backing of the This Morning programme on ITV television which will be featuring the appeal during the show on Monday.