The pleasure was in the giving and the receiving for Banbury mayor Tony Mepham.

At a reception in the town hall, he received hundreds of toys donated by members of the public, local businesses, and the General Municipal and Boilermakers Union.

The toys will be handed over as Christmas presents to children from needy families.

Mr Mepham, pictured, and his wife Lesley were delighted with the quantity and quality of the gifts.

Mr Mepham said: "They will make Christmas Day special for children who might otherwise not receive gifts.

The toys will be distributed by social services through the Britannia Road Family Centre.

Representatives of local charities were also at the reception to receive welcome cheques from Mr Mepham.

Cash raised at the Banbury Dog Show was shared between Hearing Dogs for the Blind, Guide Dogs for the Blind, and Dogs for the Disabled.

Money raised during the mayor's annual charity cycle ride went to the Horton Hospital's Babysavers Appeal, the Red Cross, 6th Banbury Scouts and Banbury Raynet.

The GMB is the only union in Banbury that gives to the mayor's Christmas appeal.

Branch president John Rakestraw challenged other unions to do the same.

He said: "We gave last year and our members voted to give again this year. It would be nice if other unions contributed as well."