Thank you – that’s the message from the Dorset Echo after a record amount of more than £4,000 was raised for our Christmas Toy Appeal this year.

Hundreds of toys are now being distributed to underprivileged local children thanks to the generosity of Dorset Echo readers.

Thanks to the kind donations of our readers, local businesses, groups and individuals an amazing £4,764.48 has been raised.

This huge amount of money is the most we have ever raised has been used to buy toys and gifts for hundreds of disadvantaged children living in Dorset.

This is on top of the presents people generously donated.

Echo promotions manager Debbie Hellaby said: “Thank you to everyone that has supported the fifteenth Dorset Echo Christmas Toy Appeal this year by placing a penny in a pot or a toy donation in a collection bin.

“We have had an amazing response to the appeal this year, although the toy donations were down on previous years, readers and local businesses came to the rescue once again by donating the funds so that the toys could be purchased.

“The appeal was kickstarted in the middle of the year by Portland Stone Ltd skip hire company who approached us to ask if they could donate five per cent of their online skip sales to the appeal, this forethought got the appeal off to a great start.”

She added: “In total we have managed to raise £4,764.48 and distribute toys to more than 650 children.

“Everyone who has been involved should be pleased to know that they have put a smile on hundreds of children’s faces.”

Group editor of the Dorset Echo and Daily Echo Toby Granville said: “Our generous readers and businesses never cease to amaze me and I am delighted that we have achieved a record amount of donations this year.

“I would like to thank each and every one of those who contributed to ensure that deprived children in our community will not go without this Christmas.”