More than 1,000 children in need across Bexley will receive a present this Christmas thanks to large donation organised by local police officers.

1,281 gifts were delivered to Bexleyheath Civic Officers last Friday which will be distributed to kids aged between one week and 17-years-old across the borough.

Officers from Bexleyheath Police Station received donations from local businesses, as well as the general public, as part of the Metropolitan Police Service’s annual Met Christmas Appeal.

Trinity Primary School and Crayford Baptist Church were among the many groups that donated gifts.

The presents were picked up and delivered to the Civic Offices with help from the local Amazon depot who also donated Amazon vouchers.

Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Cllr Philip Read said: “Christmas time is the season for giving: not only gifts, but giving back to our local community.

"Through this appeal, our Police partners have helped to spread joy to our children and young people, who may not have received a Christmas present this year.

"Thank you to all our residents and local businesses for their generous donations to this worthy cause and to Amazon for their continued support and of course the Police Officers involved in organising this annual gift giving.”

Staff working in the children's social care department of the council will be distributing the presents over the next few days.

The presents are being distributed by staff in the children’s social care team over the next few days