Put a smile on the face of child victims of crime across Ceredigion, Powys, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire by making their Christmas wish come true.

That’s the call from a charity appealing for people to buy an extra online gift for children who have been affected by serious crime in their local community.

The appeal, by Embrace Child Victims of Crime is backed by Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn.

Embrace provides support to young people affected by serious crime right across the UK, helping them to cope, recover and fulfil their potential.

Last year, 43 young victims of crimes including homicide, sexual abuse, domestic violence and neglect from across the Dyfed-Powys area received some form of help from the charity.

The Dear Santa appeal funds Christmas gifts for youngsters nominated by police officers and other safeguarding professionals to bring some festive joy.

Christmas wishes have been made from children right across the area, including in Aberystwyth.

They include: a Hot Wheels ZipBin 300-car storage cube and playmat for an eight-year-old victim of sexual abuse at £19.65; an LOL Surprise! doll at £29.99 for a seven-year-old victim of sexual abuse; and a £30 Amazon gift card requested by a 16-year-old victim of sexual assault from Dyfed-Powys.

Anne Campbell, chief executive of Embrace, said: “Sometimes a small gesture of support can make the world of difference to children and families who are experiencing significant trauma and stress, through no fault of their own, as a result of crime."

Wishes can be found on the unique Dear Santa Amazon wish list for Midlands and Wales where they can be purchased directly. All gifts purchased are wrapped and delivered by Embrace in time for the big day.

To donate or for more information, visit www.embracecvoc.org.uk/dear-santa or search #DearSanta2018 on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

See this week’s south papers for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition now