AN Ellesmere Port youngster's toy appeal in aid of children at Alder Hey Children's Hospital has got off to a flying start.

Poppy-Mae Jones, five, held a launch party for the toy appeal at The Rake pub in Little Stanney on Sunday.

And fundraising residents did not disappoint as they donated £700 and several boxes of toys at the event, which also saw Chase and Skye from Clare's Mascot Mayhem pay a visit.

There were also stalls run by Lisa Jones, Samantha Hale, Zoe Blackmore and Hannah Whittingham, while the DJ was disco Dave Turner and entertainer was Carly Davis from Bobbity Boo music, movement, rhyme and sign.

Poppy-Mae, a Matalan and Alder Hey Hospital ambassador, has a chronic bowel condition and had previously been treated and cared for at the hospital.

Mum Sharon Jones said Cambridge Road Primary School pupil Poppy-Mae was inspired to help other children at the hospital, many of whom will have to spend this Christmas undergoing treatment there.

Toys can continue to be donated at Ellesmere Port's Morrisons store on Chester Road, where there will be a trolley from December 7 to December 21.

Drop-offs can also be made at HR GO Recruitment (Liverpool) in Little Sutton, a company which has been very supportive of the campaign.

Accepted gifts are for children aged 0-16 and must meet the British Kitemark quality. Soft toys and teddy bears will not be accepted due to infection control at the hospital.

Suitable gifts include musical toys, baby rattles, board games, plastic toys (in their original packaging), arts and crafts sets and DVDs (up to 12 certificate rating).

On December 21, all the donated toys will be taken to Alder Hey Children's Hospital.

A Justgiving page has been set up at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/poppy-mae-jones for people unable to donate items but would prefer to make a cash donation.

Poppy-Mae was also invited to a Britannia Wrestling event that took place last Friday at Whitby Hall, organised by SMC events, and raised £97 from donations.