Santas from every store at Crown Point Shopping Park took part in the event, which raised awareness of the YEP-backed appeal to make Christmas better for thousands of disadvantaged children in West Yorkshire.

The Santa Parade mirrored the 100-year-old tradition on Fifth Avenue in New York, where a similar event happens every Christmas to help poor and underprivileged youngsters.

The 2009 Toy Appeal is sponsored by Crown Point Shopping Park and organised by Cash for Kids, 96.3 Radio Aire and Magic 828's charity.

Crown Point manager Sarad Parmar said: "It is very hard to imagine what it would be like to be a child waking up to nothing on Christmas morning so we are very proud to support the Toy Appeal for the third year running.

"In doing so, we're helping children throughout Leeds and West Yorkshire share in that very special Christmas spirit."

Glenn Pinder, who hosts Magic 828's breakfast show, added: "We desperately need more gifts to make local children happy this Christmas and every single gift, no matter how big or small, will be delivered to a child who really needs it."

To donate to the 2009 Toy Appeal, simply pick up an extra present while Christmas shopping and take the new and unwrapped gift to your nearest drop-off point by Friday, December 18.

Gifts should be suitable for a boy or girl aged from birth to 17 years.

Schools and businesses are also urged to support the campaign by arranging their own collections, with a Toy Appeal poster and information pack available to download from www.radioaire.com/toyappeal.

The presents will be given to those identified by social workers as at risk of not receiving gifts, and to sick and disadvantaged children through other charities and projects including Barnardo's, Candlelighters, Getaway Girls and St George's Crypt.

Gifts will also be given to Leeds General Infirmary and St James's Hospital through the Leeds Teaching Hospitals Charitable Foundation, and hospitals in Wakefield, Pontefract and Dewsbury through the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust.

Presents can be taken to any store at the Crown Point Shopping Park.

Alternatively, leave your gift at the YEP building on Wellington Street, Leeds or the 96.3 Radio Aire and Magic 828 headquarters on Burley Road, Leeds.