An urgent appeal to help the children of some of the most vulnerable people in the borough has been made as stocks run dangerously low at one children’s centre.

The Salvation Army’s baby bank is calling for donations of second hand children’s clothes, toys and prams.

The Baby Bank, at the centre in Clements Road, Ilford, provides the items to families on low income or who are in financial difficulty.

It was set up in September and has proved so popular that they have almost run out of items.

Panna Simon, project coordinator, said: “Some of the families have a limited income because they’ve been made redundant or lost the support of their partner.

“It’s amazing that something as simple as donating items you no longer need can make such a big difference to someone’s life.”

Naomi Clifton from the Salvation Army said that with temperatures getting colder they are in desperate need of warm clothing and coats which are in seriously short supply.

“People in Redbridge have been so generous in donating clothing, bedding and other essential equipment,” Mrs Clifton said. “We urgently need donations of warm clothing, coats and snowsuits, as well as boys’ clothing for older babies and toddlers.”

She said people taking the clothes often return them once their child has outgrown them so any donations will be well used.

“All children deserve the best possible start in life and the Baby Bank is one way that Ilford Salvation Army is trying to make this happen,” she said.

“It’s wonderful to see the joy on people’s faces when we provide them with a Moses basket, bundle of clothing or pushchair that another family has donated.”

The Baby Bank gives the items free of charge to anyone in Redbridge needing help with the costs of having a baby.

Parents needing help can drop into the Salvation Army church between 10-12 on Tuesday and Thursdays where one of the volunteers will be able to help you.