A Dorchester car enthusiast once again donates to support our Christmas Toy Appeal, a cause he has supported every year since it started more than two decades ago.

Alan Old, who used to own the Broadmayne Carriage Company before retiring, has generously donated £100 to the Dorset Echo Christmas Toy Appeal.

His donation will go towards making sure that underprivileged children have something to look forward to under the tree this Christmas.

Speaking about donating in what is now our 24th Toy Appeal, he said: “I have spent all my life in the motor trade business, selling new and used cars, and now I have 8 classic cars and enjoy every moment.

“I am always glad to donate to the toy Appeal and it gives me great pleasure and joy contributing to this very worthy Toy Appeal.

"There are people out there who aren't as fortunate as others and it’s important they have something to open on Christmas Day. That's the whole point of it.

"It's a very good appeal and I would urge other people to come forward and support it in the future.

“Seasonal greeting to everyone.”

We are also asking you to give a thought to children in need this Christmas and buy one extra present to go in a Dorset Echo Toy Appeal bin.

Toy Appeal bins are located at the following locations:

Weymouth

  • Asda,
  • Howley’s
  • Morrisons
  • Tesco Town centre
  • WH Smiths
  • Family Shopper (Abbotsbury Road)

 Dorchester

  • Tesco
  • Toymaster
  • WH Smiths
  •  Boo’s Toy Shop (Poundbury)

 Portland

  • Co-Op (Easton)
  •  Tesco (Easton)

 Bridport

  • Morrisons
  • Toymaster

All the toys collected will be distributed before Christmas to children who really appreciate them.

Any businesses wishing to make a £100 donation to the 2023 Dorset Echo toy appeal should contact maureen.jolliffe@localiq.co.uk, or call 01305 830811.

Donations are also welcomed from readers for any amount, to donate to the Dorset Echo Toy Appeal 2023 please make your payment online at dorsetecho.co.uk/toyappeal.

Please ensure to include the relevant contact details with your payment.