PILES of gifts donated by police officers and residents were handed over to the Salvation Army to give less fortunate kids a treat this Christmas.

Officers from East India and Lansbury Safer Neighbourhoods team have been collecting presents from fellow bobbies and residents these past few weeks to donate to needy children and teenagers in the borough.

Volunteers from the Salvation Army in Kerby Street, Poplar were given the load on Friday and will distribute them in time for December 25.

PC Michelle Hamilton-Levy, who came up with the idea with PC Sean Williams, said: “The generosity of the local residents has been fantastic.”