Ballymena and Antrim in Christmas appeal as thousands of children face Christmas without food

School children Osaruese Egbomeade (9) and Ayla Hunt (6) are hoping to make wishes come true this Christmas for thousands of vulnerable children worldwide by supporting Concerns Christmas gifts.

The overseas development charity has launched its quirky Christmas gifts ideas - from billy goats to bicycle ambulances - that will help change the lives of vulnerable families worldwide, and bring joy to family and friends at home on Christmas Day.

Donna McConnell of Concern said: “Here in Northern Ireland, children will be hoping for the latest toys and gadgets.

“But in the world’s poorest communities, they’ll be wishing for very different things – like clean water, enough food to eat, or the chance of a life-changing education.

“Last Christmas, people in Ballymena and Antrim and across the UK bought more than 14,000 gifts which Concern helped deliver to people in need.

“We’re already hearing about all the good those gifts are doing - 3,000 children have been able to start school for the first time, and 1,500 families have benefitted from keeping chickens for eggs to eat and sell.”

From vitamin-packed sweet potatoes to nutritious school lunches, each gift is selected because of the lasting benefit it will bring to children, families and whole communities in the world’s poorest countries.

To find out more, visit www.concerngifts.org.