PUB-GOERS can get themselves a free festive dessert at south Essex boozers next week - simply by donating toys to someone in need this Christmas.

To claim a slice of festive cheesecake on the house, simply visit your nearest Hungry Horse on November 14, donate a new or pre-loved toy, and say ‘Toy Boxing’ at the till.

As part of its annual Toy Boxing charity initiative, the family-friendly pub brand aims to collect a whopping 5,000 toys in the first 24 hours.

Hungry House has four pubs in south Essex; the Quays at Festival Leisure Park, Four Seasons in Laindon, Travellers Joy in Rayleigh and Anne Boleyn in Rochford.

The offer marks the fourth consecutive iteration of Hungry Horse's Christmas initiative, designed to re-home toys by providing them to families in need.

This builds on the brand's effort last year, which saw nearly 17,000 toys donated toys to children nationwide, with the pub brand this year aiming to hit and exceed the 20,000 mark.

Sarah Williams, senior marketing manager at Hungry Horse, said: "We're proud to bring back our annual toy donation scheme for a fourth consecutive year.

"This year, we want to thank all our amazing customers for their donations by offering a free slice of our delicious Raspberry Trifle Cheesecake to anyone who is able to gift a toy to someone in need in their local area.

"So, head on down to your local Hungry Horse on November 14, donate a toy, and enjoy a tasty dessert on us.”

To book a table, visit hungryhorse.co.uk/book.