Retailers in Feltham have backed the Met Police's Christmas Tree Project appeal to help spread festive cheer to the young and old.

The Centre Feltham have been working with Hounslow police, collecting donations of gifts from shoppers and businesses to make sure pensioners and homeless children have a present to unwrap on Christmas Day.

Sergeant Nathan Fane of Hounslow police popped in to meet retail staff and shoppers on Friday November 20, to raise awareness for the cause and start collections.

Hounslow superintendent Mike Hill has said: "This is a simple idea in the spirit of Christmas and we welcome the generosity of the public in supporting this campaign.

"Let us all come together and help some of the most vulnerable members of our community and make sure, that they know that someone somewhere is thinking about them."

Officer Fi with young shopper who was out with her mother Claudia Dabrowska, supporting the police with their Christmas Tree Appeal in The Centre Feltham

People can join in by handing in a gift towards the appeal at the drop off point at The Centre Feltham management suite, next to Iceland, between now and December 12, when a special collection event will be taking place.

It will be part of seasonal fun day where there will also be goodies handed out and charity gift wrapping on offer in return for a small donation, between 10am to 4pm.

Alternatively, people can gift a present by taking a tagged ribbon from The Centre Feltham’s Christmas tree and follow the instructions.

Read More: Christmas appeal by Hounslow police gets off to flying start

Centre Manager Lorraine Eggleton said: "It’s the one day of the year where most of us are all doing the same thing, with the exception being the kids in care who might not receive anything.

“It’s fantastic to support the police and the public and we really appreciate their kindness and generosity.

“We’ve asked all Felthamers, retail staff and local businesses to get behind the appeal.

"We’re anxious to collect more for these individuals to have something to open on Christmas Day."

Hounslow Sgt Nathan Fane with colleague Fi and The Centre manager Lorraine Eggleton

So far donations have been made from shoppers and stores including The Fragrance Shop, Blue Inc, ASDA and Poundland.

The suggested spend for a present this year is no more than £20.

All donations will be delivered to the recipients before Christmas Day.

Last year's appeal resulted in 150 gifts being given to children across the borough.

Click here to see the online virtual Met Christmas tree.

People can donate money to provide presents at the JustGiving page