Celebrities Tamara Beckwith and Stacey Young kickstarted a fundraising bid for children's charity Barnardo's by donating some of their coveted childhood toys.

They were at Lakeside shopping centre in Thurrock to spearhead the Big Toy Box appeal for the children's charity.

Fun - Tamara and Stacey launch the Toy Box appeal Picture: ROB BROWNE

Tamara and Stacey, wife of singer Paul Young and originally from Leigh, urged shoppers to join in.

During the two-week event, people will be encouraged to donate new or nearly new toys. All the toys will be checked and then donated for distribution to Barnardo's retail stores and projects in and around the region.

Chris Hanvey, UK director of operations at Barnardo's was also at the centre and he said: "These toys will benefit many disadvantaged children."

Published Friday, January 10, 2003

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