Peterborough residents are urged to support local children this Christmas.

The city council, in partnership with Barnardo's charity, has launched a special festive scheme.

This initiative will see a Christmas Giving Tree placed in the Bewiched coffee shop at Fletton Quays.

From now until December 4, residents can help by taking a name tag from the tree, scanning the QR code, and buying a gift from the wish list.

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The unwrapped presents should be returned to Bewiched, to be collected by Barnardo's and distributed to local families in time for Christmas.

Last year, Barnardo's managed to provide each of nearly 2,500 children with three to four gifts.

Councillor Alison Jones, the cabinet member for housing and communities, said: “We are proud to be supporting an initiative that makes the most of the festive season and allows us all to give back to Peterborough’s community.

“It’s key for us to champion initiatives such as these to support our less fortunate residents.

"By taking a tag and buying a gift, you could transform a child’s Christmas.”