Henry Smith MP has visited the Springboard Project in Langley Green (Friday, 15th December) to deliver toys donated by the British Toy & Hobby Association’s Giving the Gift of Play initiative.

Henry said;

"I was delighted to continue my support for Springboard’s work by visiting them in Langley Green to hand over toys donated by the British Toy & Hobby Association.

"Recently I met the BTHA in Parliament and I appreciate their efforts to provide children in Crawley with gifts at this festive time of year.

"It’s important to celebrate the immense contribution of the British toy industry to the UK economy and the importance of ‘play’ to a child’s development. I was also grateful to meet Crawley toy company Great Gizmos, who have been providing local employment and fun products for over 20 years."

The Springboard Project have centres in Crawley and Horsham, which welcome children and young people with or without disabilities, and their families, for inclusive play and social opportunities.

At a parliamentary event in November the BTHA, the organisation representing manufacturers for Britain’s £4.2 billion toy industry, came together with MPs, peers and wider industry stakeholders to celebrate the growth of the toy sector, and the important contribution of quality, safe toys to the fabric of society.

The Springboard Project publicly reiterated their support for the initiative on Twitter;

"Thank you @HenrySmithUK for playing Santa in disguise and dropping off donated toys for our children. They’re safely stashed under the giving tree!"

Natasha Crookes, Director of Public Affairs and Communications at the BTHA commented;

"The BTHA has worked tirelessly to ensure the UK has the highest standards of safety regulations and enforcement in the world, and child safety is at the heart of what we stand for. We were delighted 35 MPs and peers supported us to give the gift of play this Christmas and we are grateful to the support they have shown us in raising our profile in Parliament during this unique political period."