We'll definitely be rockin' round the Christmas tree as more businesses help us ensure every children in Dorset will get a visit from Santa Claus this year.

Highwood Agriculture and Groundcare in Dorchester are the latest business to donate £100 to the Dorset Echo Toy Appeal to help us make sure no child goes without this festive season.

Operation director, Nick Green said: "Highwood are please to support the appeal again this year. It gives us immense satisfaction to know we are helping local under privileged children and we would encourage more local businesses to get involved with this wonderful cause."

Based in the heart of Dorset, Highwood sells a range of premium brand tractors and farm machinery and their team of experienced engineers offer servicing and maintenance for agriculture, groundcare and garden machinery. 

The company's Toy Appeal donation will be used to buy gifts and vouchers for disadvantaged children.

Now in its 18th year, the Toy Appeal aims to ensure every child - no matter what their circumstances - has a gift to open come Christmas morning.

Echo promotions manager Debbie Hellaby said: “Without the support of our readers and local businesses we would not be able to help to put smiles on all those families faces at Christmas, so thank you.”

As well as business donations, members of the public can donate new toys and gifts at appeal bins found in shops across the county. 

Before Christmas the donations will be distributed to children and teenagers who would otherwise go without. 

Last year, the Dorset Echo raised more than £4,493 and collected hundreds of toys through the appeal and we are hoping to top that figure this year - ensuring even more children have a toy to open on Christmas Day.

Appeal collection points can be found at: 

  • Co-op, Easton Portland
  • Goulds Garden Centre, Weymouth 
  • Howleys, Weymouth 
  • Toymaster, Bridport
  • Toymaster, Dorchester
  • Morrisons, Weymouth
  • Morrisons, Bridport
  • Tesco, Weymouth
  • Tesco, Dorchester
  • Tesco, Portland
  • Wilkinsons, Weymouth 
  • The Sealife Center, Weymouth 
  • Boo’s Toyshop, Poundbury
  • Sainsburys, Weymouth
  • Matalan, Weymouth 
  • Mole Valley, Dorchester
  • Boots, Weymouth
  • Boots, Dorchester
  • Nationwide, Weymouth 
  • And of course Dorset Echo 

For more information or for any businesses wishing to make a £100 donation please contact Debbie Hellaby on 01305 830 815 or email debbie.hellaby@dorsetecho.co.uk.