GIFTS and donations are being sought to help a group of disadvantaged children enjoy a week-long adventure holiday later this month.

The Holiday Scheme is run by the Methodist Church in Essex, East Herts and north east London and every year 24 disadvantaged children are taken to the Carroty correct Wood activity centre in Tonbridge.

The children involved in the scheme are generally nominated by their schools for any number of reasons. It may be they come from single parent families or families with financial problems and do not get the chance to go on holidays.

Scheme treasurer Brian Herring, from Ongar, said they take children from across the entire church district and have to raise £7,000 every year.

The scheme, which has been running 16 years, relies heavily on financial donations as well as gifts and other items that are sold in a shop which is laid on for the children during the week so they can buy presents for family and friends. The charity also provides children with pocket money if necessary.

On the holiday the children get to try an array of activities from archery and swimming to climbing and farm visits and Mr Herring said the experience really has an impact with the children, who are usually aged between eight and ten.

"It has quite an amzing impact. Some of the children come from backgrounds where they have had quite a difficult life and it might be there first chance to actually have a break and act like a child."

The charity usually manages to raise the £7,000 each year with donations from churches and various grant-giving organisations such as Children in Need and Help a London Child.

Mr Herring and his wife run the gift shop for the children during the week and would welcome any donations.

Any trinkets, writing materials, books, toys, jewellery or other suitable gift items can be donated. To arrange collection ring Mr Herring on 01277 362688.