The divide between Northern Ireland's rich and poor is growing wider, a leading charity campaigner has said.

Colm McNicholl of St Vincent de Paul was speaking ahead of the launch of this year's Family Appeal on Monday.

The annual appeal is for Christmas gifts for families in need and is supported by BBC Northern Ireland.

The launch will be hosted by Lord Mayor Alex Maskey with representatives from the Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul.

Colm McNicholl: Many families facing leaner christmas

The Holy Family Primary School Choir will get proceedings off to a start, along with BBC Newsline presenter Donna Traynor.

Mr McNicholl said: "Recent research shows that one child in every three is living in a household with below 30% of average household income, itself among the lowest in the UK.

"These households are spending proportionately around six times as much on fuel, light and power as those in the highest income band - leaving less to spend on absolute necessities such as food and clothing.

These households are spending proportionately around six times as much on fuel, light and power

Colm McNicholl St Vincent de Paul

"This year a large number of families in all communities are facing a leaner and hungrier Christmas.

"This is why we have joined with the Salvation Army in this joint appeal to raise the awareness of the real poverty that exists in Northern Ireland and to address a growing problem - one which hits home at this time of the year."

'Speaks volume'

He said there were more than 2,000 volunteers waiting to distribute toys and gifts in every part of Northern Ireland.

"We hope that the public will again demonstrate its generosity toward disadvantaged children who may be living nearer to them than they think," he said.

We are so grateful for everyone who plays their part in making the appeal a success

Pamela Neill Salvation Army

Pamela Neill of the Salvation Army said every year the public responded to the appeal by the giving of a gift for a child unknown to them.

"This speaks volumes to us. We work with families 365 days a year and know the problems that they have to endure and it is a privilege to act as a conduit from those 'slightly better off' to those less comfortable, particularly at Christmas," she said.

"We are so grateful for everyone who plays their part in making the appeal a success."

Last year's appeal helped almost 5,000 families with presents for 12,462 children.

Organisers say all gifts should be new, safe, non-perishable and unwrapped and suitable for all ages from babies to teenagers.

The closing date for the donation of gifts is 20 December and the closing date for applications for gifts is 13 December.

Details of collection centres and distribution points are on BBCi.