A children's play area have teamed up with a charity to help families who have fled from domestic abuse.

Madison Heights in Maldon and charity KidsOut have launched the Giving Tree to give Christmas presents to those children who along with their mums have fled from domestic abuse to seek sanctuary in refuge.

Each year this affects more than 20,000 children, typically leaving home with only the clothes on their backs.

Many of these children suffer horrific abuse both mentally & physically.

KidsOut works with thousands of children every year to remind them what it means to be a child and to have fun.

Together with Madison Heights they are asking the community to help these families receive gifts this Christmas.

The Giving Tree is open from today (December 3) until December 12 and all you have to do is select one of 250 gift tag from the tree.

Each tag has a childs name, age and a gift they wish to receive this Christmas.

Then return your wrapped present with the tag attached to Madison Heights ready to be taken to KidsOut on December 14.

For more information call 01621 850222 to speak to organisers Sarah or Lisa.