The Prime Minister's wife Lydia Abela on Thursday launched the fifth edition of the "Gift with love" initiative, which aims to collect presents for children in need.

During the launch, Abela recalled the presence of youngster Jake Vella who had attended last year's event but sadly passed away due to a rare condition earlier this year.

Local councils will also be participating in the initiative this year. Apart from the huge Christmas Tree that has been set up in Castille Square, others are being set up in various localities where people could take gifts they would like to give to vulnerable children between 12 and 19 December. These then will be collected and placed underneath the tree in Castille Square. Students in schools are also being encouraged to take part.

A Christmas Village is being set up in Castile Square between 16 and 20 December, and on the last day there will be several events to bring the initiative to a conclusion.