Underprivileged children in Sierra Leone will be receiving Christmas gifts courtesy of |kind-hearted staff at A&P Falmouth who have donated hundreds of toys which left port destined for the African country at the weekend.

A&P’s main office at the docks was turned into a toy shop after a call was put out on social media to help |collect toys, clothes and books.

The vast collection of games, soft toys and books, left Falmouth on board the CSL Argosy on Saturday, which had been in port for drydocking.

Peter Nimmo, A&P ship manager; Jez Littlejohns, A&P sales director and Penny Phillips, executive |assistant, co-ordinated the efforts, showing their solidarity with the owners of the ship, who have a |passion for providing for the children of Sierra Leone.

Peter said: “We have been staggered by the response and |are very grateful to everyone, |especially those who have gone out and collected the toys.”

Penny added: “The use of social media has played a big part in getting the word out.

“We are delighted that the toys leaving on the Argosy will soon be bringing joy to the children of Sierra Leone.

“A message was sent out to all employees of A&P Falmouth, but it was Naomi Fryer who suggested using Facebook to spread the word more widely, and Kerry Morris, spending evenings collecting the toys.

“We would like to say a huge thank you to all A&P employees and those in the wider community who contributed.”

Speaking on behalf of the Argosy, Superintendent John Hendry, said he was “stunned by the spontaneous generosity of A&P and the good |citizens of Cornwall”.