BENNETT’S on the Waterfront will help share happiness among Dorset children this Christmas thanks to a £100 donation to the Echo Toy Appeal.

The popular fish and chip shop based on Weymouth Esplanade has generously donated towards the campaign, which will help provide toys for underprivileged children in Dorset this Christmas.

Owner Mark Bennett said this year marks the first year the shop has donated to the appeal.

He said: “We were inspired to donate to the Toy Appeal after seeing the coverage last year.

“I have children myself so I can really relate to this appeal, and to think that any child would be left without presents at Christmas time is just heartbreaking.

“As a business, we do very well during the summer months and therefore we feel giving something back to the community, especially at Christmas time, is the right thing to do.”

Almost £4,000 was raised last year and thousands of new toys were donated to underprivileged children across Dorset to open on Christmas day.

Toys can be donated to appeal bins in shops and businesses across the area.

Businesses can help out by donating £100 to top up the funds raised so even more toys can be purchased.

Last year sacks of presents filled the Weymouth office before social workers and carers took them to deliver to underprivileged youngsters.

All the gifts collected will go to children who may have suffered neglect, abuse or be living in refuges with their mothers.

Many are in the care of families who simply cannot afford to buy them something special for Christmas.

The Echo offices in Weymouth and Dorchester are also accepting donations.

n We are looking for 30 businesses to donate £100 each for our appeal.

This has been amazingly successful in previous years and has been the main way that the toy appeal has been able to provide so many toys and gifts to needy children.

All those donating £100 will be featured in the Echo.

To donate £100 call Debbie Hellaby on 01305 830815 or email debbie.hellaby@dorsetecho.co.uk.

Collection points

Asda, Weymouth

Bridport and Lyme Regis News, Bridport

The Co-op, Easton, Portland

Dorset Echo, Dorchester

Dorset Echo, Granby Industrial Estate, Weymouth

Goulds Garden Centre, Littlemoor

Howleys Toymaster, Weymouth

Howleys Toymaster Lego shop, Weymouth

Howleys Toymaster pre-school shop, Weymouth

Morrisons, Bridport & Weymouth

Tesco, Dorchester

Tesco, Weymouth

Toymaster, Bridport

Toymaster, Dorchester

Value House, Weymouth

WH Smith, Dorchester

WH Smith, Weymouth

Wilkinsons, Weymouth

Daniels Fish and Chips, Littlemoor, Abbotsbury Road & Wyke Regis

Tesco, Portland

Boots, Weymouth

Boots, Dorchester

Curtis Wright, Bridport

Fish and Fritz, Weymouth

Weymouth Sea Life Adventure Park

Greg Cameron-Day, Dorchester