THE stars of White Christmas the Musical added that extra festive sparkle to this year's launch of the Southampton Voluntary Services (SVS) annual Toy Appeal.

Stars of The Mayflower show Craig McLachlan, Tim Flavin and Ken Kercheval all pledged their support to the Daily Echo-backed appeal that hopes to make Christmas special for deprived children across the city.

So far more than 3,000 gifts have been donated to the appeal but at the launch SVS sent out a plea for Daily Echo readers to show their seasonal goodwill and buy a present for the 200 children still in need of a gift.

Craig McLachlan led the Christmas festivities and got council and charity bosses into the Christmas spirit as he danced with the children of the Ludlow School Choir, pictured, and announced the donation of a family ticket to see White Christmas at The Mayflower Theatre.

Craig said: "We are thrilled to be here today to be part of such an encouraging project and the fact that something like this has happened every year for the last 25years is extraordinary."

For 27 years the SVS appeal has been spreading the festive spirit to thousands of needy children across the city.

However, if the appeal is going to reach every needy child this festive season, many more people are needed to step forward and donate a present.

Jacqui Honeywell, of SVS, said: "Businesses, organisations, schools and individuals have already pledged 3,473 gifts but we still have a further 200 labels unfulfilled and more children's names arriving daily.

"Please, please help us make sure that all children in Southampton have a very happy Christmas."

If you are interested in donating a Christmas present to the toy appeal contact Jacqui Honeywell on 023 8021 6060.