THE Salvation Army in Newton Abbot has expressed deep gratitude to the public for their overwhelming generosity over the Christmas period.

The Army’s band played carols in the town, raising £2,860.99 in process, with a further £1,781.49 being raised in Ashburton.

Major Nigel Byrne of the Salvation Army said: ‘We are also deeply grateful for the many new toys donated to The Salvation Army Toy Appeal.

‘Thanks to this kindness, we were able to help more than 450 local children who might otherwise have had a very difficult Christmas.

‘These donations make a real difference to families in our community, and we could not do this work without the continued support of the public.

‘Please accept our heartfelt thanks to everyone who gave so generously’.