BARNSLEY’S real-life Father Christmas admits he’s been blown away by the support for this year’s Christmas Toy Bank Appeal.
It was first launched in 2020 by town centre barber Tony Batty as a way to give children across the town something to smile about during the pandemic.
It’s now in its fifth year and Tony reckons residents have helped donate around 5,000 toys for youngsters.
With the help from volunteers, Tony is planning to deliver presents to the hospital as well as hand-delivering gifts to those in need.
He said: “It’s hard to tell how many we’ve got at the minute but I think it’ll be about the same as last year.
“We’re starting to deliver the presents to the hospital first.
“It’s been amazing.”
