A vehicle fire in Walsall has damaged four thousand pounds worth of Christmas gifts for children beyond repair.

The gifts were in transit as part of the Cash 4 Kids Mission Christmas campaign, which the council receives support from each year. Walsall Council is now appealing to local businesses asking them to donate gifts and recoup the damaged presents.

Councillor Stacie Elson, Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services at Walsall Council, said: “A council vehicle transporting Christmas gifts caught on fire. Luckily, no one was hurt in the incident, but the vehicle is damaged beyond repair, and so are the presents.

“The presents in the vehicle were going to be distributed to children and young people in the borough, aged 5-16, as part of our Holiday Activity and Food programme.

“Every child deserves a gift this Christmas, and we don’t want them to miss out on a gift because of this incident. We’re appealing to local businesses to see if they can help us replace the toys which have been damaged.

“Christmas is a time for miracles, and we’re hoping our business community can rally together to ensure no child misses out.”

The vehicle is regularly used to transport young people to activities in the borough. Fire service on the scene believed the fire was caused by an electrical fault.

The team are looking for donations of new presents such as toys, board games, arts and craft sets, toiletries, for children between the ages of 5 and 16 years old.

Any unwrapped gifts can be taken to Manor Farm Community Association on King George Crescent in Rushall, weekdays between 9am and 10pm.

The deadline to donate gifts is Friday 13 December.