IT IS with great sadness that the Journal has to announce it will not be running its Christmas gift appeal this year and is unable to accept presents due to the coronavirus pandemic.

For more than 20 years readers have shown their generosity and community spirit to make sure those less fortunate than themselves do not go without a present on Christmas Day.

Journal publisher Bill Browne said: “It is with a heavy heart that we have had to suspend the gift appeal this year.

“It is the first break in the appeal in over 20 years, but the safety of our readers and staff is paramount.”

Last year, hundreds of gifts were brought into the Journal’s office in Rollestone Street to be donated to local charities in the area including The Trussell Trust, The Salvation Army, Salisbury Hospice, the children’s ward at Salisbury District Hospital, Alabare homeless charity, and many more.