HUNDREDS of disadvantaged children will receive some welcome Christmas cheer thanks to a law firm's Oxford branch.

Blake Morgan, which has an office in Seacourt Tower in West Way, is co-ordinating the Secret Santa scheme that last year gave more than 780 gifts to underprivileged young people.

The firm is calling on businesses to support the appeal, which gives presents to individuals nominated by Oxfordshire Social Services and Children Heard and Seen, an Oxford charity helping children who have a parent in prison.

Volunteers at participating businesses choose from gift tags which show the first name, ages and gift ideas of children, before spending their own money on a present, wrapping it and attaching a tag.

Last year's gifts included toy cars, toiletries and books.

William Downing, regional senior partner for Blake Morgan in Oxford, said: “Christmas should be a special time for all children and our staff are proud to be involved in a scheme which makes a big difference to disadvantaged youngsters at a time of year that would otherwise be quite difficult for them.

"This scheme relies on the support of local businesses and I am very grateful to each and every person that takes part.”

All the presents are collected by December 11 at Blake Morgan’s Seacourt Tower offices so they can be passed to social services in time for Christmas.

A reception will be held at for participating businesses before the presents are loaded into cars and taken away by social services and Children Heard and Seen.

Businesses keen to take part can contact Emily Dyas at emily.dyas@blakemorgan.co.uk or call 01865 258067.