The Salvation Army say they are 'struggling to meet demand'.

The Macclesfield branch of the Christian church and registered charity is entering the final stages of its Christmas Present Appeal.

However, donations have been down this year, meaning there is an 'urgent' need to get more donations in before the closing date of Friday, December 19.

Alice Swain, church leader of The Salvation Army in Macclesfield, said: "Christmas is usually a time of joy but with the ongoing struggles of day-to-day life - rising food prices, climbing energy bills - we're seeing a large amount of people needing urgent, last-minute support as Christmas Day gets closer and the prospect of their child having no presents to open sadly becomes a reality.

"Times are challenging for everyone, and we have already witnessed the incredible generosity of our local community, welcoming a wide range of gift donations, however, referrals this year are up and the demand is bigger than we have ever known."

The Salvation Army teamed up with The Entertainer and Sugacane for this year's present appeal (Credit: Macclesfield Salvation Army)

Alice continued: "In this next week we need more donations in order to ensure that every child within our town has something to open on Christmas Day and we want to make that happen but need the support from our local community to help us with this last push as our appeal starts to come to a close.

"Everyone coming together to support those struggling in our community is what the Christmas story inspires us to do, and we are pleased to be a part of that."

Anyone wishing to donate gifts can drop them off at the church and community centre on Roe Street.

Those unable to physical donate can make a financial contribution via the charity's Just Giving page here.