THE Echo Christmas Toy Appeal has been given an extra boost thanks to a £150 donation.

Pennsylvania Castle, on Portland, has generously donated a little bit more to make sure underprivileged Dorset children have a merry Christmas.

Manager Jo Peters said: “We just wanted to give as much as we could to ensure every child who needs a present gets one this Christmas.

“It’s at Christmas time that you realise how lucky you are to have a wonderful family and a lovely celebration.

“It’s nice to be able to make children who are not so lucky feel special too.

“We are quite a new business and so we were really excited to make this our first year of donating to the Toy Appeal and we hope we can support this worthy local cause in the years to come.”

Pennsylvania Castle is also supporting the 12 Days of Christmas Community Sing-along and Christmas light switch-on tonight at 6.30pm.

The event, in Wren Court, will also feature a performance by Island Voices and festive refreshments.

Ladies are giving back

MAKING sure that needy children get the Christmas they deserve is why one group is donating to the Echo Toy Appeal for the third year running.

Weymouth fundraising group Ladies Alive have topped up the funds raised to ensure every child who signed up receives a gift this Christmas.

Ladies Alive member Georgina Grayson said: “Christmas is all about the children and we feel very sad for those that are unable to have everything they wish for.

“At Christmas it’s more important than ever to give.

“We aim to support local causes and we are privileged to be a part of this appeal.”

“Local people have always given so generously to ensure underprivileged children have a merry Christmas and we are more than happy to contribute.”