Hundreds of children will wake up tomorrow with a smile on their face after Leicester's very own team of Santa's little helpers collected thousands of presents.

The annual Toys on the Table appeal has helped more than 2,800 youngsters after receiving more than 5,500 toys and over 10,000 books donated by the people of Leicestershire and Rutland.

Each and every child referred to the charity will have at least one gift after what chairman of trustees Terry Watts described as an "incredible" year for the appeal.

The Toys on the Table team had hoped to help more than 3,000 children, but having met every request Mr Watts said they could rest easy in the knowledge they had spread Christmas cheer to so many.

He said: "It has gone very, very well. We have had far more toys than usual.

"There has been a large number of volunteers without whom none of this would have been possible.

"We feel really satisfied and pleased that the efforts of the volunteers have been worthwhile.

"The quality of the donations has been absolutely superb.

"Those children would otherwise have had nothing like that if it were not for the incredible support. It has been marvellous.

"We never cease to be surprised by the level of support and how well people respond."

Among the businesses to donate to the appeal this year were John Lewis, Dominoes Toys and the Royal Mail, with each of the county offices holding individual collections.

Steven Sansom, chair of Dominoes Toys, in High Street, Leicester, said: "It has gone extremely well as it does each year.

"We had hundreds of toys dropped off here.

"This appeal is for children and making them smile, its as simple as that and that is something we are proud to be a part of."

Children across Leicestershire and Rutland will benefit from the appeal – including dozens of youngsters who live on one Loughborough housing estate.

Josie Falconer, 67, from the Three Close Tenants' Association, told the Leicester Mercury last month just how much the appeal meant to children and their families.

She said: "We always have a great family day due to the fact we can give the children a gift from Santa."