A LOCAL club that raises money for worthy causes has donated to the Echo Christmas Toy Appeal for the third year running.

Weymouth and Portland Lions Club has given £100 to ensure that underprivileged children receive a gift on Christmas morning.

President Trevor Stratton said: “We aim to help local charities and good causes, of which this is a great example.

“This is the third year we have donated and we are so happy we could help give needy children in the area a merry Christ-mas.

“We raise money for worthy causes all year round, but it’s more important than ever at this time of year. ”

With less than a month to go until Christmas, the Echo is appealing for more local businesses to donate.

Money raised will top up funds and donations to ensure that every child who has signed up receives a present.

Lions committee member Les Board said: “We know that the presents donated go to help hundreds of smaller children but we hope the money that we have donated will help older children too.

“You always think to donate toys for the little ones during an appeal like this but it’s so important to remember the teenagers who also deserve a merry Christmas.

“We hope this donation will ensure they get a nice gift this Christmas too.”

There is still time to donate a present to the Echo Toy Appeal with collection bins in place in locations across the county.

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

Last year the Echo was inundated with sacks of presents ready to be taken by social workers to excited children for Christmas Day.

This year, the 12th the Echo has run the Toy Appeal, we would like to help even more.

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