FIREFIGHTER Colin Faulds is on a mission to make sure youngsters from struggling families do not miss out on the excitement of the traditional festival countdown to Christmas.

Colin, who lives in Heaton, is again spreading a little Christmas cheer by collecting advent calenders to be distributed to families who this year will need the help of foodbanks.

It is the second year he has appealed for the seasonal calenders.

He is hoping local organisations, such as youth groups, kids' clubs and gyms, get on board with the appeal.

And people are being asked to pick up an extra advent calender while shopping to help bring a smile to the face of a child less fortunate.

"Last year 1,200 calenders were donated," said Colin, who is based at Bolton Central Fire Station. "I'm asking again for help for people to donate advent calenders.

"I enjoyed getting an advent calender as a child and that is one of the reasons I started it last year."

He added: "All calenders donated will go to Urban Outreach and be distributed through foodbanks and agencies."

Colin launched his appeal on November 5 and described the immediate response to the appeal as "amazing". He will be collecting calenders until November 23, before he takes them to the Urban Outreach offices, where they will distributed to families in need.

This year a number of businesses and schools have come on board with employees and customers donating to the appeal along with individuals.

Colin said: "I'm hoping to collect as many as we did last year."

Those wishing to help Colin bring a smile to the face of youngsters this Christmas can drop off their advent calenders at Bolton Central Fire Staton, Horwich Fire Station and Top Shop in Belmont Road.