A PEMBROKESHIRE charity which supports those living in poverty has launched its annual Christmas toy appeal, and announced it will be moving to a larger new HQ.

PATCH launched its annual Christmas toy appeal on Friday, October 19 at the Cleddau Community Apostolic Church, Milford Haven.

Dennis O’Connor, chair of the charity’s board of trustees told the audience at the launch about the importance of PATCH’s work over the last year.

“For PATCH the last 12 months have been months of change and challenge,” he said.

“The challenges keep coming and I have to say with great pride they have always been met.”

The appeal will run until the start of December, when there will be a toy sorting drive between December 2 and 5.

In the last year PATCH has given out 3,822 food parcels to clients, as well as 359 clothing parcels and 362 parcels of household items.

Tracy Olin, PATCH founder, said the charity’s work had not grown very much over the last year, but acknowledged other agencies may have seen a larger workload.

There was also exciting news for PATCH as plans were announced to move into the former Hakin Community School building on Waterloo Road.

During the appeal launch, Tracy Olin described the move to the former junior school as “the worst kept secret” the charity had.

She thanked the charity’s trustees and volunteers, as well as its supporters across the county.

Tracy also announced she had been asked to meet with a special rapporteur from the United Nations to talk about the work PATCH does.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s Sinead Henehen, also a PATCH trustee, announced the local authority would be doing more to help combat poverty across the county.

Other speakers at the launch included Will James of Valero and Debbie Mills of Tesco Milford Haven, as both company’s provide assistance to PATCH throughout the year.

There was also a special visit from Father Christmas himself.

Stephen Crabb MP attended the launch and praised the work of PATCH.

"Over the last eight years PATCH has done a fantastic job in reaching out to these families and making Christmas happen whatever the difficulties being faced," he said.

"Whether through donating some toys for the appeal or volunteering during the busy days of sorting and delivery nearer Christmas, being part of this project really does bring home the true meaning of Christmas.”

PATCH always welcomes donations for the Christmas Toy Appeal and volunteers who can act as a drop-off point for toys, or help to sort them.

For more information visit patchcharity.org.uk