“THIS is your chance to put a smile on a vulnerable child’s face this Christmas.”

That is the message from celebrities Fred Dinenage and Matt Le Tissier as they urge people to take part in the Daily Echo-backed Southampton toy appeal 2014.

For the past 35 years, Southampton Voluntary Services (SVS) have made sure that no child in the city goes without at Christmas and this year is no different.

There are 4,000 names of the city’s most needy babies and young children on Santa’s list, who without your help may not have anything to open at all on Christmas morning.

Now the biggest appeal in the south is calling on businesses, schools, community groups and residents to dig deep and buy an extra gift for an underprivileged child.

TV presenter Fred, who is the star of ITV’s Meridian as well as a granddad and dad, said: “I find it incredibly sad in this day and age that there are children going without presents at Christmas. A special appeal like this restores your faith in people.

“I would encourage absolutely everyone to take part if they can, because if by doing so they can put a smile on the face of a child somewhere around Southampton on Christmas Day, it’s got to be worth it.”

This year the appeal is made possible thanks to Partridge BMW and Aviva.

They will provide vital support to the charity’s Family Projects Team, based in St Mary’s, Southampton, to ensure every child experiences the magic of Christmas.

The SVS team consult a number of organisations including health visitors, social services, doctors and voluntary sector workers to compile the list, which includes children who have complex needs, from those escaping violence to youngsters who live in a family on a low income.

Anyone who agrees to help will receive a gift label complete with the child’s first name, age and gender. Kind-hearted residents can then go shopping for a gift suitable for the child, spending a maximum of £10 before wrapping it in Christmas paper and securely attaching the label with the child’s details on it.

The deadline for presents to be returned to SVS is December 5.

An official launch ceremony takes place at the Mayor’s Parlour in Southampton Civic Centre on Wednesday, December 3 from 11.45am, where people who have supported the appeal will be invited to join Fred and Matt for a reception with refreshments and carols sung by a local school choir.

Saints legend Matt added: “Having children myself, they have been fortunate enough to have grown up with plenty of toys to play with through the years, but sadly not all kids are that lucky.

“The toy appeal is a great way to make sure no child goes without and so to be involved was a very easy decision for me.”

To take part in the SVS Toy Appeal email toyappeal@southamptonvs.org.uk or call 023 8021 6015 for more information and to secure your label.