CHRISTMAS is a time of giving and those with a generous heart can do just that at Churchill Square in Brighton.

Shoppers will spot the Giving Trees at the centre – but it is the messages attached to the branches they need to look out for.

Each one contains a Christmas wish from a child in need.

John, for example, is hoping for a Peter Rabbit toy and Amelia is desperate to get her hands on some Playdough.

They are among the children chosen by the Rockinghorse charity, which will be giving the presents to youngsters at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital.

Head of fundraising Analiese Doctrove said the charity was delighted to have been chosen to benefit for the second year.

She said: “We feel it is especially important to ensure that young patients in hospital feel comforted at this time of year. Here at Rockinghorse, we believe that no matter where they are, children should always be allowed to be children.

“That statement rings especially true during the festive season. Our aim is to improve the lives of sick children in Sussex, and part of that aim is to provide all the little extras that help make a young person’s hospital experience that little bit better.

“By partnering with Churchill Square for their Giving Tree campaign, we can provide children at the Royal Alex with gifts to help bring a bit of joy during what can be a difficult experience.

“It is also important to make sure these children don’t feel they are missing out on Christmas because they are in hospital.

Mark Buchanan-Smith of the Centre said: “Now in its fiftieth year, the charity has been providing vital care and support for sick children across the city and even further afield.”

The Giving Trees are in the Lower, East and West malls in Churchill Square until the end of the day on Christmas Eve. Shoppers are urged to pick a tag, buy the suggested present and drop it at the customer service desk.