WITH Christmas just around the corner, generous colleagues at a firm of solicitors have been busy collecting gifts to support The Salvation Army’s Christmas Present Appeal.

Trish Coutts, who works in the Residential Property team at the Phillips Solicitors' Town Gate offices in London Street, Basingstoke, organised the collection and was over-the-moon to see around 50 new gifts and toys being donated, including board games, books and a giant teddy.

Trish said: “Every year The Salvation Army brings a lot of joy to families in the local community and this year we are proud to be supporting their work.”

Lieutenant Rob Westwood-Payne, commanding officer at the Basingstoke Corps and Community Centre, in Wessex Close, said: “Thank you very much to everyone at Phillips who donated a gift or gifts. These will go to help local families in need throughout Basingstoke and will help to make Christmas special for people who would be struggling at this time of year.”