A DORCHESTER photographer will help put a smile on children’s faces this Christmas after his £100 donation to the Toy Appeal.

Greg Cameron-Day runs a photography studio in Durngate Street, which specialises in family and children’s portraiture.

His business is also one of the collection points for toy donations for this year’s appeal, which aims to bring joy to underprivileged children across Dorset at Christmas, by giving them a Christmas present.

Now in its 14th year, this year the appeal is hoping to help even more needy children than before.

Mr Cameron-Day has generously given £100 towards the campaign for the first time this year, and is urging other businesses who can afford to donate to follow suit.

He said: “I saw the Echo Toy Appeal last year and thought it was a very worthy cause that supports local children, so was inspired to donate this year.

“I have supported Children In Need for many years but this year thought I would help a local cause – and the Toy Appeal seemed just the ticket.

“Some children at Christmas will not get much or anything at all and some parents really do struggle financially during the festive period.

“I think this is a great appeal and I’m very pleased and glad to get involved with it, and would strongly encourage other businesses to do so if they can.”

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 refugees with their mothers.

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

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