A LOCAL union is reaching out to families in the greatest need this Christmas.

The Inverclyde branch of Unite is set for their busiest toy appeal yet as demand continues to grow in the community.

They link in with community workers on the ground to make sure no children go without this year.

Members are pulling out all the stops to support this year's appeal led by secretary Stuart Graham.

Councillor Colin Jackson said: "Stuart Graham works so hard to make this happen. It looks like it will be needed for a few years to come.

"Our members always give generously. I think over the years Unite has come to the view that not only do we have to help our members, we have to look after the communities where they come from."

The appeal runs until Friday December 11 with gifts for babies up to 12 year olds. Unite are also collecting food donations as well.

Unite's Siobhan McCreadie, who is also Unite's regional women and equalities officer, said: "There is an even greater demand than ever before."

The union represents workers across all sectors from public to private, with bankers, manfacturing employees, managers and scientists among them.