The Dorset Echo has received a roar-some donation from the Weymouth and Portland Lions Club for our Christmas Toy Appeal.

The club has donated £200 after fundraising at Asda in Weymouth on Sunday, December 10 in what is a very generous donation towards helping us to buy toys for children in need this Christmas.

The club was formed in 1969 under the Lions International motto and currently has 18 members from all walks of life who work to raise money to help those in need in the community. They meet on the first Tuesday quarterly for dinner and arrange social events as and when required at various venues throughout the town.

A spokesperson for the club said: Weymouth and Portland Lions Club are pleased to announce that they have recently donated £200.00 towards the Dorset Echo Toy Appeal.

“We donate every year to the Toy Appeal – it’s what the club is about we are forever fundraising for people less fortunate and the toy appeal fits in nicely with that  and we are more than happy to continue to donate.

“On behalf of the Weymouth and Portland Lions club wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

“For those participating in the Harbour Swim we will see you Christmas morning.”

We asked readers to give a thought to children in need this Christmas and buy one extra present to go in a Dorset Echo Toy Appeal bin which were located at various local businesses.

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

Businesses were also invited to make a £100 donation, and donations were also welcomed from readers for any amount.

The Toy Appeal bins have now been collected and we are no longer accepting donations.