PC Steve Broadhurst has spoken of the difficulties he faced as a child as he urged Derbyshire Police Federation members to donate presents to underprivileged families this Christmas.

Federation Support Officer Steve said that he went without when he was young and has encouraged his colleagues to give toys, games and clothing to families who are struggling in the run up to the festive season.

The Derby City Safer Neighbourhood Team and the Derbyshire Christian Police Association are supporting a drive by local charity Derby City Mission to reach out to families.

The charity said that the impact of Covid-19 on jobs and the economy has caused a sharp increase in the number of families facing poverty who are seeking help with food and debt advice.

It fears that with coronavirus restrictions in place and church congregations not meeting it will receive fewer donations of presents than in previous years.

Steve said the charity is asking people to bring hope and happiness to these families with toys and gifts this Christmas.

He explained: “Child poverty is a hidden and sometimes stigmatised shame, not only in wider society, but with our local communities.

“Some have the view that it’s not for others to provide for children – that’s the role of a parent. I’m not here to challenge you if you are of that opinion, but to ask us all to look past it.

“I am a beat officer working in Derby city. As an adult I’m lucky enough to provide for my children but as a child I was one of those children who slept on a floor and went hungry.”

Kirsty Bunn, Derbyshire Police Federation secretary, said: “The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic this year has meant an increasing number of families facing a challenging time this Christmas.

“We hope that by donating a gift to families facing difficulty we can make their Christmas a little more special and bring a little extra joy to families who might need it.”

PC Robert Smith, Derbyshire Christian Police Association chair, said: “It’s worrying some parents are struggling to provide for their children despite their best efforts and the pandemic has made things even worse for many. So, I’d ask that if you can, please do help us by supporting this appeal.”

Last year more than 460 local children received a bag of Christmas presents, including two main presents, a book, a cuddly toy and chocolate, donated by churches, schools, businesses and individuals.

To support the appeal, gifts can be delivered to the Derby City Mission offices at 10 Normanton Road, Derby DE1 2GW. Please call on 07954 783454 beforehand to check someone will be there to receive your gifts.

An Amazon wish list has been created to make it easy for people to buy a gift. Please make sure gifts are sent to the Gift Registry address so they come directly to their offices.

If orders are made by AmazonSmile and Derby City Mission is chosen as the Charity of Choice, it may also raise extra funds.

Or people can donate money via Derby City Mission’s website.

This year, because of having to quarantine donations before packing and distributing, people are asked to make donations by Monday 14 December at the latest.

Suggested gifts for babies/toddlers include clothes (0 to 12 months only), board or cloth books, shape sorters and sensory toys; for four to nine-year-olds - Lego/Megabloks Micro, Power Ranger figures/dolls, imaginative play sets, arts and crafts kits, books and jigsaws; for pre-teens and teenagers remote controlled vehicles, nylon wallets, water drinking bottles, fancy hot water bottles, journals and stationery, mugs and hot chocolate sets, and belts.