More than 700 disadvantaged children look set for a merrier Christmas thanks to Islington Police and generous residents.

This morning (Thursday) Christmas trees covered with gift tags were put up by officers at Angel and Archway Tube Stations and Islington Police Station, in tolpuddle Street.

Members of the public can take a tag, and when they follow instructions on them will be told the age and sex a child in care, or from a disadvantaged family, so they can buy them a personal present.

Sgt Alistair Mills, who is managing the project for Islington Police, said: “This is to help children, who might not otherwise have such a great Christmas because of their circumstances, to get a present.

“By working with Islington Council, we’ve identified about 700 children who are in need.

“We won’t be accepting cash, just presents for each individual child.”

There is no fixed value of the gifts, but the limit is £20, and Sgt Mills says they are expecting the presents to cost somewhere between £5 and £10.

The Islington initiative has been rolled out following a similar pilot project outside New Scotland Yard last year - all the London boroughs are taking part in 2014.

“No one has more got more trees than our three in Islington,” said Sgt Mills. “Although Lewisham have got a 25 ft one, which must be the biggest.”

Chf Sup Gerry Campbell, Islington’s Borough Commander, said: “Knowing the generosity of Islington people we thought we’d have three trees. “They’ll be officers visiting them every day to replenish the gift tags if they run out.

“Christmas is a magical time of year that children enjoy, as well as most adults too.

“We want to make sure a range of children from different backgrounds feel that Christmas cheer and spread the wonder of the season.”