A community project in St Albans is urging commuters to dig deep and donate a present to give to to a vulnerable child just in time for Christmas.

Alban Play Station community group is launching a toy drive to raise awareness of Home Start, a charity dedicated to supporting families with young children, who need some extra support during difficult times.

Volunteers will be spreading Christmas cheer in both St Albans City Station and Harpenden train station by handing out sweets and gift tags on Friday, December 14, between 4pm and 7.30pm.

They request commuters return the gift tag attached to a Christmas gift they have brought for a child that Home-Start supports. The project was inspired by Andy West, a St Albans resident.

Mr West said: "I thought up the idea because I wanted to make a difference to the St Albans community and as a result of my experience of the daily commute to and from London.

"Every day thousands of people rush through the stations with hardly a word or glance at their neighbours and treat the whole experience as dead time, as a chore to be endured.

"At this time of year, we will be asking commuters to pause, take notice of other people in their community and enter into the spirit of the season. We want to bring some fun and compassion to the commute."

Gifts along with their gift tags will be collected from commuters on their way to work on Monday, December 17, between 6.30am and 10am.

To donate or more information, visit https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/albanplaystation