Madness frontman Suggs has teamed up with the Newham Recorder and charity Community Links to launch this year’s annual Christmas Toy Appeal.

The 52-year-old pledged his support to the campaign, now in its 37th year, and pleaded with generous residents, shoppers and community leaders to make sure disadvantaged kids receive a present this year.

Suggs said: “I’m happy to launch the Newham Recorder Christmas Toy Appeal to make sure even the most disadvantaged children have presents this Christmas.”

Suggs presented members of the appeal’s junior taskforce with the first donation of toys this year at Stratford Circus, ahead of an event for his new autobiography, That Close, organised by Newham Bookshop.

Sadly, as thousands of families in Newham continue to feel the pinch it’s vitally important this appeal is our biggest and best yet as we aim to collect a record number of toys at various locations across the borough.

This year there will be events running up to the December 20 deadline for donations, including a motorcycle fun run, a Christmas dinner and a quiz.

Many local businesses, residents and organisations are set to chip in and hold events of their own to raise money and collect toys – details will be published shortly.

Michael Adkins, editor of the Newham Recorder, said: “We’re really pleased that Suggs is supporting this year’s toy appeal.

“We hope residents in Newham will look into their hearts and support this excellent cause so that no children go without presents this Christmas.”

An empty room at Community Links’ base in Barking Road, Canning Town, is ready and waiting for donations of toys to start arriving.

Keep an eye on the Newham Recorder website and follow us on Twitter @NewhamRecorder for updates on the appeal (#ToyAppeal).

To find out more about the appeal including how to get involved call 020 7473 9685 or email kevin.jenkins@community-links.org.

There are drop-off points for toys all over Newham. These are at:

? Newham Recorder: The reception desk, Media House, 539, High Road, Ilford, 9am to 5.30pm on weekdays.

? Community Links:

Main Centre, Barking Road, Canning Town, 9am to 6pm on weekdays.

? Community Links: Central Park Centre, 2 Central Park, Road, East Ham, in opening hours.

? Community Links: Rokeby Centre, Rokeby Street, Stratford – 9am to 6pm on weekdays.

? Theatre Royal Stratford: Box office, in box office opening hours.

? Newham Bookshop: Barking Road, Upton Park, during opening hours.

? St Mark’s Church: Thorne Road, Forest Gate, in opening hours.

? St Bartholomew’s Church: Barking Road, East Ham, 9am to 4pm on weekdays.

? East Ham Town Hall: Barking Road, 9am to 5pm on weekdays.

? The Old Town Hall: Stratford Broadway, 9am to 5pm on weekdays.

? Beckton Globe Library: Kingsford Way, Beckton, in opening hours.

? Canning Town Library: Barking Road, Canning Town, in opening hours.

? Custom House Library: Prince Regent Lane, Custom House, in opening hours.

? East Ham Library: High Street South, East Ham, in opening hours.

? Green Street Library: Green Street, Upton Park, in opening hours.

? Manor Park Library: Romford Road, Manor Park, in opening hours.

? North Woolwich Library: Pier Parade, North Woolwich, in opening hours.

? Newham Archives & Local Studies Library:

The Grove, Stratford, during opening hours.

? Plaistow Library:

North Street, Plaistow, in opening hours.

? Stratford Library:

3 The Grove, Stratford, during opening hours.

? Plaistow Park Community Centre: Queen’s Road West, Plaistow, in opening hours.

? Barchester, Westgate House Care Home: Romford Road, Forest Gate, in opening hours.

? Toys can be collected if you are housebound. Call Community Links on 020 7473 2270.

? You can also donate money. Send cheques, payable to Community Links, to Christmas Toy Appeal, Community Links, 105 Barking Road, Canning Town, E16 4HQ.