CUSTOMERS at a Newport supermarket donated £700 worth of toys that were delivered to the children’s wards at the Royal Gwent Hospital last week.

Staff at the Pillgwenlly branch of Asda were overwhelmed by the support of customers who bought the gifts in the store and put them in a donation box.

The branch was supported by the Freemasons at Newport Masonic Hall and presented with £475 of toys and selection boxes by Chairman Ivor Morgan.

The toys and selection boxes were delivered to the children’s wards by Mrs Jones, Asda store manager Gareth Jones, colleagues Laurie Taylor-Reed and Lisa Davies, and players from Newport County AFC. Supporters, players and staff from the club came together to donate 16 televisions and DVD’s.

Caroline Jones, the store’s community life champion, said: “We have run the campaign for the past three years at Christmas and our customers have always been fantastic.”

“We leave donation trollies at the front of the store so that people can buy a gift and put it in the trolley.”

“This year’s national store campaign #BecauseitsChristmas has seen shoppers donate a variety toys from board games to toy kitchens.”

“We were inundated with gifts from generous customers and support from the Freemasons of Newport. It’s wonderful to be able to deliver them to the children on the wards,” she added.

“On top of the £700 raised we also donated £200 to Newport Women’s Aid which was fantastic.”