Some cracking Christmas joy is being spread around from a Christmas-geared business from Dorset.

As our 24th Christmas Toy Appeal draws to a close we appreciate the the generous spirit in which local businesses up and down the county donate to the cause.

It allows children, who may otherwise not get an opportunity to open a gift from under the tree on Christmas Day, to rip off the wrapping paper and get a present on the big day.

Free Range Crackers may only be in their fourth year of trading, but they are keen to help out the local community in any way they can.

The company are all about Christmas as they make bespoke crackers and luxury crackers for international brands and are now branching out into wholesale.

Their donation of £100 will go a long way to helping make children happy this Christmas and company director Morinna Johnson was pleased to donate for the second year running.

She said: “It is important for everyone that is able to help, to try and donate a small amount for the most vulnerable people in our community. This way, everyone can wish for a happier Christmas."

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.