Our readers have hearts of gold and are well and truly in the Christmas spirit already.

As we urge businesses and readers to rally round and help support the toy appeal we are always taken aback by the support of our readers who give what they can.

Support - either by financial contributions or toys - is continuing this year after we launched the Dorset Echo’s 25th Toy Appeal.

It means that children who are less fortunate will still have something to unwrap from Santa on Christmas morning.

Last year our campaign raised more than £5,125 - which was spent on gifts - and helped more than 700 children across the region, including Weymouth, Portland, Dorchester and Bridport.

Debbie Hellaby, brand, marketing and compliance manager for Newsquest - the company which owns the Dorset Echo - said: "Whether it is a financial donation, a toy in a collection bin or a delivery of toys, one thing is for sure - a year never passes without our readers taking us by surprise and for this we are truly grateful."

This year Bill Symes from Poundbury presented us with a collection of beautiful toys that he had been collecting for a very long time. Bill was hopeful that the children will enjoy them.

Another reader from Weymouth also donated a selection of toys that she had been collecting.

Individuals can also support the toy appeal by donating new toys and gifts to our appeal bins located around the county.

All toys donated will be collected and distributed to children who really appreciate them just before Christmas

Every penny of each donation goes directly to providing the gifts to those less fortunate in Dorset.

To make a £100 donation to the appeal please visit dorsetecho.co.uk/toyappeal

Dorset Echo Toy Appeal collection bins are located at:

Weymouth

  • Asda
  • Howleys
  • Morrisons
  • Tesco (town centre)
  • WHSmith
  • Family Shopper, Abbotsbury Road

Dorchester

  • Tesco
  • Toymaster
  • WHSmith
  • Boo's Toyshop, Poundbury

Portland

  • Co-op, Easton
  • Tesco, Easton

Bridport

  • Morrisons
  • Toymaster