A FIRM of toymakers has handed an early Christmas present to a charity that offers child protection services to some of the most vulnerable children and families in the St Helens area.

Innovation First, makers of the popular Hexbug toys, has donated £5,000 to the NSPCC’s regional service centre that serves St Helens, Warrington and Cheshire East.

Ian Laugher, UK managing director of Warrington-based Innovation First, said: “We’re a proud member of the community and we wanted to give something back to the area. Children are close to our heart so donating to the NSPCC felt like the natural choice. The £5,000 will go towards supporting a wide range of valuable services the NSPCC centre offers.

“I’d encourage other businesses to visit the centre and donate if they can.”

Tess O’ Callaghan, corporate fundraising manager for the NSPCC, said: “I would like to thank Innovation First. The £5,000 donation will aid in ending cruelty to children and help the NSPCC make a real difference to the lives of abused children, young people and their families.”