Your Ilkley Radio

6:00pm - 7:00am

Email the studio

Bruno Mars

I Just Might

Listen Live Podcasts

Ilkley customers thanked for bringing joy to children at Christmas

Wednesday, 21 January 2026 16:54

The Be a Star collection point was in the foyer of Tesco in Ilkley

Kind-hearted Tesco shoppers in Ilkley have been thanked for donating over 100 toys to the Be A Star toy campaign in the run-up to Christmas.

Before the festive celebrations, Tesco’s Ilkley Superstore and Keighley Salvation Army called on customers to support the retailer’s 2025 Christmas Toy Donation campaign so that local children who might otherwise not receive a gift on the big day wouldn’t miss out on some festive magic.

Customers responded enthusiastically, with 108 brand-new toys donated at the in-store donation point. The gifts were then given to Salvation Army, an organisation Tesco colleagues chose to partner with for the campaign, who then distributed them to local children to open on Christmas Day.

Sarah Joyce, Community Champion at Tesco Ilkley Superstore, said:

“We take pride in supporting our local community during the year through Tesco Stronger Starts and our Community Food Connection programme. This year’s toy donation campaign gave customers a fantastic opportunity to support local families and ensure children in our community had something to open on Christmas Day. We are so grateful to our customers who donated what they could to help bring some festive joy to local families over Christmas.”

Claire De Silva, Head of Communities at Tesco, said:

“We really can’t thank our customers enough for their kind contributions to our Toy Donation campaign. Throughout the year our stores give support to children and their community, and without fail local people support us in our efforts. So once again we are grateful to the people of Ilkley for showing that the magic of Christmas is very much alive and well. They have made a lot of children very happy at a time of year that can be difficult for some families, so thank you so much again for your support.”

More from Local news

Ilkley BID named as finalist at national awards

Ilkley BID has been named as a finalist in the prestigious National BID Awards 2026.
Yorkshire Air Ambulance appoints new CEO

Yorkshire Air Ambulance Charity has announced the appointment of Kathryn Marsden OBE as its new Chief Executive Officer
Writing for wellbeing workshop to launch in Ilkley

Ilkley residents are invited to try writing to support their wellbeing in 2026 at a new monthly workshop at Alpkit Ilkley.
MP says Kex Gill realignment scheme is making 'good progress'

MP Julian Smith has shared an update on the works at Kex Gill.
Airedale Hospital receives £8,000 donation from Sovereign Health Care

The West Yorkshire-based cash-plan provider donated the money last week.
Local groups unite to start climate conversations

People in Wharfedale and beyond are being offered the chance to learn how to talk about climate change starting with a free online workshop at 19:30 on Tuesday 24 February 2026.
Review: Ilkley Concert Club: Rachel Podger, Elizabeth Kenny and Marcin Świątkiewicz

Geoffrey Mogridge reviews Ilkley Concert Club's concert featuring Rachel Podger (violin), Elisabeth Kenny (theorbo) and Marcin Świątkiewicz (harpsichord), at the King’s Hall, Ilkley on Wednesday 14th January 2026.
Ilkley hosts Healthy Homes Workshops

Climate Action Ilkley is inviting local residents to take part in one of two practical healthy homes workshops on Saturday 14 February 2026 at the Clarke Foley Community Hub.
Ilkley Good Neighbours move into the Wright Place

Ilkley Good Neighbours have announced their move into Wright Place, the newly named community space within Clarke Foley Community Hub.
Ilkley Carnival launches Children’s Books theme for 2026

Ilkley Carnival has announced its 2026 theme with organisers inviting the community to step into the magical world of Children’s Books for the event on Monday 4 May.
Scouts prepare for life-changing Peru expedition at Ilkley training camp

Last weekend, 32 young people from West Yorkshire Scouts took part in an intensive training camp in Ilkley as they prepare for an exciting international expedition to Peru 12 - 24 August 2026.
The Joyful Deli rises from the ashes

An Addingham café destroyed by fire last June has showed off how its amazing new interior will look.
Art vending machine to support homeless charity

An art vending machine is coming to Ilkley offering original mini artworks for just 50p each, while raising vital funds for local homelessness support.
Sign up for Your Local Experiences for chance to win prize worth £1,000

You can sign up to our brand new voucher platform for the chance to win a prize worth £1,000.
Church café toy appeal

Christchurch Café within Christchurch on The Grove is refreshing its children’s play area later on this year as part of its community outreach and would love your help.
Review: Ilkley Philharmonic New Year Concert 'a generous dusting of theatrical magic'

Geoffrey Mogridge was in the sell out audience at the King's Hall on Saturday evening, 10th January, for the Ilkley Philharmonic New Year Concert which featured the Academy of Northern Ballet.
Council "moving away" from No Mow May to instead focus on more naturalised areas

Some council owned parks and green spaces in Ilkley will be left to permanently grow wild.
Ilkley butcher David Lishman celebrates four decades

It was on 13th January 1986 that David Lishman opened the doors to David M Lishman and the journey began.
Ilkley Town Council sets budget and precept for 2026–27

At its Full Council meeting on Monday 12 January, Ilkley Town Council discussed and formally agreed its budget for the 2026–27 financial year.
Local children’s author and illustrator to host UK Reads webinar

Ilkley-based children’s author and illustrator Hannah Welch is set to host a free online webinar in partnership with UK Reads, as part of its Parent Support and Advocacy series for families.