A SPECIAL festive tree will make children's dreams come true this Christmas.

Tesco in Greenock has teamed up with local charities to help some of Inverclyde's most vulnerable families with a toy appeal.

They are inviting shoppers to pick a tag from a tree and donate a gift to a particular child.

On each card is a message from a youngster with a Christmas wish.

Community champion Lorella Sutherland says she has had a fantastic response from customers deeply moved by the personal touch.

She said: "We have one gift tag with '13-year-old boy loves arts and crafts'.

"When speaking to the charities we found that there were lots of donations of toys, but they also worked with teenagers who needed presents as well.

"This way we are making sure children of all ages have a lovely Christmas.

"I asked the charities for the age of each child and what they would like.

"Now we are asking customers to pick a tag and if they donate a present they can hand it back with the tag."

Lorella is working with Barnardo's Thrive, Home Start Inverclyde and the i58 project toy bank to put together a wish list of presents.

Barnardo's Thrive works closely with youngsters with additional support needs and their families.

They also support young carers as well.

Janice Williams, volunteer co-ordinator, said: "It's a brilliant idea to have a giving tree like this.

"We work with families who will really benefit from this.

"This will really make Christmas for them."

Foodbank founder Fraser Donaldson said: "We like to make sure children have at least three presents at Christmas. Tesco are so supportive of us all year round.

"This is such a great idea."