A charitable scheme aimed at providing children in need with presents at Christmas is returning for a second year.

Give a Gift is coming to intu Lakeside and they are once again hosting the tree, but this time have donated a whole empty retail shop.

The new area will be located on the second floor next to McDonalds at the House of Fraser end and will be open from Tuesday November 21.

HW Wilson, a local building company, has already visited the new shop and agreed to get it in tip-top shape for opening day.

Like last year, there are many children across the borough who may not wake up to open a present on Christmas morning.

So the council are urging people to come along and donate items as well as getting local businesses to become sponsors.

Councillor Sue Little, Portfolio Holder for Social Care, said: “Last year was simply overwhelming.

“The kindness demonstrated by local people and businesses was impressive – but unsurprising.

"The people of Thurrock are extremely community-minded and during a time where most of us are at home, warm and with our loved ones, our residents are donating to ensure no child goes without.”

If you or your business would like to sponsor the project by providing some much needed materials, you can get in touch with one of team by visiting thurrock.gov.uk/GIFT

You can also get involved by helping to set up the massive tree in intu Lakeside.

From Tuesday 21 November until Tuesday 19 December, you can also donate a gift to a child, you can do this by choosing a tag from the tree, buy a gift for the child, hand it to a gift helper who will be looking after the tree.

For more information on the project, visit: thurrock.gov.uk/Giveagift or e-mail communicationsteam@thurrock.gov.uk to register your interest in supporting the event.