Big-hearted shoppers are being urged to dig deep and volunteer to be a child's "secret Santa".

As part of a business initiative, people can help put smiles on the faces of the hundreds of needy youngsters from across the district who will not receive any Christmas presents this year.

The names and ages of disadvantaged children have been put on cards and tied to trees at the entrance to Kirkgate Market in Kirkgate Shopping Centre, the Early Learning Centre in Market Street and Harrison Bailey Bathrooms, off Thornton Road, Girlington.

Kind-hearted people are being urged to select a child and buy them an appropriate Christmas gift. The initiative is the brainchild of the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Bradford, which has been organising the scheme for 16 years, and is supported by the Pulse radio station.

Rachel Strong, manager at the Early Learning Centre, said: "This is the first time we have supported the initiative and people have been very generous. We launched the tree last week and had around 100 names and around 50 per cent already have gifts, so that is a good start.

"It is heartbreaking to read the cards of the children who won't get presents for whatever reason."