Banbury mayor Tony Mepham is on a mission to collect toys for Christmas.

Tony Mepham

Mr Mepham and his wife Lesley will give the toys to children who would otherwise not receive Christmas gifts.

Mr Mepham said: "It's the time of year when I ask members of the public to bring me toys.

"New or nearly new play things can be brought to me at the town hall during office hours.

I will also be hosting a reception on December 6, at the town hall, between 6pm and 8pm. Anyone who brings gifts can join me for a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie."

The toys will be handed over to social services who will distribute them through the Britannia Road Family Centre to needy families in Banbury.

Mr Mepham said: "I'm asking the public to be generous and provide lots of toys to make Christmas extra-special for some local youngsters."

Representatives of local charities will also be at the reception to receive cheques. Cash raised at the Banbury Dog Show will be shared between Hearing Dogs for the Blind, Guide Dogs for the Blind, and Dogs for the Disabled.

Money raised at the mayor's annual charity cycle ride will go to the Horton Hospital's Babysavers Appeal, the Red Cross, 6th Banbury Scouts, and Banbury Raynet.