A campaign to give every child in social care a gift this Christmas has been launched.   

The initiative, run by Waltham Forest police with the help of the council, is to focus on children in Waltham Forest who is either fostered or being looked after by social services.

A Christmas tree donated by Christmas Wrapped Up, a business based in Little Easter, Essex, has been covered in tinsel and tags for members of the public to take a tag and buy a gift. 

The scheme aims to give a present up to the value of £20 to 250 children aged 0 to 17 who are currently in care.   

Police officers and Waltham Forest Cadets have already bought 100 gifts between them so the public is being asked to buy the remaining 150.   

Gifts will be wrapped at the police station before being taken to the council and delivered to each child in the week before Christmas. 

Cadets, volunteers, Borough Commander Chief Superintendent Mark Collins and cabinet member for children, councillor Mark Rusling were at the station last night to launch Sir Bernard Hogan Howe's 'Christmas Tree Campaign'.

Chief Supt Collins said: "I am honoured to take the first tag from our tree and buy a gift for a child or young person.

"This campaign really enforces the true meaning of Christmas and it will make a difference to every child that has suffered difficulties in their lives. 

"I would invite all of our local residents and businesses to take part and donate a gift this Christmas."

Cadets aged 15 to 17 stood on the steps of the station and entertained the crowd by singing a number of Christmas carols with alternative crime-themed lyrics.