IT’S just over a month until thousands of children across the county will tear open presents on Christmas morning.

The Echo is hoping to bring festive excitement to hundreds more, who will benefit from generous donations to the Christmas Toy Appeal.

WH Smith in South Street, Dorchester, is busy collecting donations for needy children across Dorset as shoppers add an extra present to their Christmas shopping list.

Store manager Josh Strickland said: “This is what Christmas is all about.

“It’s the spirit of giving rather than just receiving and thinking about what you want.

“We’ve had some really nice donations already and hopefully it will get even better.”

Collection bins can be found in locations on Portland, in Weymouth, Dorchester and Bridport for more generous donations.

The Echo office on the Granby Industrial Estate and the Dorchester office in Antelope Walk are also accepting donations of toys, puzzles and arts and crafts materials.

The Echo is also appealing for more businesses to donate £100 to the appeal which will top up the funds raised and ensure that every child who has signed up receives a gift this Christmas.

Last year 30 businesses donated to the appeal, some giving more.

WH Smith Dorchester sales assistant Vicki Noakes said: “This is a great cause because it helps underprivileged children in the area and I am donating to the appeal.”

The Toy Appeal is part of the Echo’s Give Back This Christmas campaign in which the paper will highlight all good deeds and festive spirit over the next month.

Josh said: “We should all remember that some of us are lucky to have a really nice Christmas and for others, like these needy children, all the hype is disappointing because their families just can’t afford to give them a happy day with all the trimmings.

“Christmas should be an exciting time for everybody.

“Just a small donation goes a long way.”

Please only donate new, unwrapped gifts and please no cuddly toys - we get more than we can cope with.