A little Christmas cheer will be brought to the borough’s children’s homes, thanks to the efforts of generous residents and Redbridge police.

The force has launched its Christmas Tree Project, inviting people to buy a gift for a child in care who may not have otherwise received anything.

And the Recorder decided to get on board with the project – delivering a present to Ilford Police Station in the High Road on Monday.

Participants could either sign up online or take one of the special tags tied around the tree in the town centre.

Each was given the age and gender of a child in care or foster home and asked to buy a present for around £20 which will be delivered just in time for Christmas.

Redbridge faith liaison officer Pc Shaz Meah, who led the project, said: “The response for the Christmas tree campaign from the community in Redbridge has been great.

“It is encouraging to see people of different faiths and backgrounds getting involved to provide Christmas presents to young people in care in Redbridge.”

Pc Meah said the presents would be delivered next week just in time for Christmas.

“I am in the process of arranging delivery of the gifts with the children’s services and all the presents would be delivered before Christmas Day,” he said.

Met Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe launched the charity campaign last year at Scotland Yard, and it was rolled out across all 32 London boroughs this Christmas.