Imagine spending Christmas in a strange location, fearing violence and after leaving home with little or no possessions.

That is the reality for women and families forced to flee the family home because of abusive and violent partners.

A chance to make a real difference to these families in crisis across the Fylde is being given to Citizen readers with our first Tins and Toys Appeal to help those suffering domestic abuse.

Around one in four women experience abuse at some stage in their lives and in the run up to Christmas the Citizen is aiming to collect toys and essential goods for Fylde Coast Women's Aid.

The organisation operates two refuges in the area and offers other support to hundreds of women in need.

With the campaign just a week old, the generous folk of the Fylde, just as we knew they would, have begun to donate new unwrapped toys, non-perishable food and toiletires and other essentials which will help those staying at the refuges.

Tina Hibbard, assistant service manager at Fylde Coast Women's Aid, said: "When the decision is made for a woman to leave her home, there is often no time to take personal possessions.

"The kind of tins, toys and toiletry goods which have already been donated will make life much more comfortable at a very difficult time for the many women and children which our organisation supports."

All we ask is that gifts are new and unwrapped, and tins and unperishable foods are within their sell-by date.

Toiletries for the mothers would also be appreciated, as would nappies and items for babies.

Readers wishing to make a donation can call in to our offices at 13-13A, Clifton Street, Blackpool, during office hours, or call 01253 292005 for further details.