The funds will be used to support the group of volunteers to provide presents to families in need across Angus – boosting their efforts to ensure that every child has that magical moment on Christmas morning.

Persimmon’s head of external affairs, Gregor Scotland, was joined by Angus Council leader, Cllr Beth Whiteside, to present volunteers with a cheque at the Toy Appeal’s storage centre in Arbroath.

The group received the £4,000 donation through Persimmon’s Community Champions initiative, which supports charities and good causes in the areas the company operates in. The programme has seen more than £350,000 donated across Scotland in the last five years.

Lynn Richards, Angus Toy Appeal volunteer, said: “The Angus Toy Appeal is so grateful to Persimmon for their very generous donation this year. It has made such a difference to children in Angus living in poverty.

“Thanks to Persimmon, the children’s bags will be a little bit bigger this year.”

Angus Council leader, Cllr Beth Whiteside, said: “I was delighted to join Gregor in presenting the donation from Persimmon Homes, which will make a huge difference this Christmas to families across Angus.

“It was humbling to meet the volunteers and hear about the level of need this year and the phenomenal work they do. A truly worthy beneficiary.”

James MacKay, Persimmon North Scotland managing director, said: “We’re delighted to support the Angus Toy Appeal with this donation, which we hope will make a real difference to local families this Christmas.

“We all know the budget pressures many families are facing this Christmas and volunteers at the toy appeal deserve huge credit for the work they do to ensure thousands of local children have presents to open on Christmas morning.”