SHOPPERS are doing their bit for the Echo Christmas Toy Appeal as they bag some bargains.

While stocking up on festive fare, customers at Morrisons, Dorchester Road, Weymouth are also donating generously to ensure needy children experience just as must Christmas spirit as they do.

Store manager John Volney said the store received a lot of donations for the appeal every year and it was an appeal that had community backing.

Supermarkets and shops across Dorset are busy collecting presents for needy children to open on Christmas Day.

The Echo office on the Granby Industrial Estate and the Dorchester office in Antelope Walk are also accepting donations.

The Toy Appeal is part of the Echo’s Give Back This Christmas campaign in which the paper will highlight all good deeds and festivities in the countdown to Christmas.

Morrisons duty manager Alex Turton said: “This is an opportunity for children who are facing hardship all year round to receive a gift and it’s a worthy cause. We’ve been involved for a number of years and we’ll already say that we’ll be a part of it next year too.

“Our customers always give generously to make Christmas just as special for others.”

We are also looking for businesses to donate £100 each to the appeal, now in its 12th year.

This will add to funds raised and ensure that every child who has signed up for a gift receives one.

Last year the Echo office in Weymouth was full of sacks of gifts before social workers and carers collected them to give to excited children on Christmas morning.

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