Two branches of a supermarket giant are helping make Christmas that bit more magical for disadvantaged children.

In the run up to the festive season, Morrisons stores in both Weymouth and Bridport are doing their bit for the community and are now accepting donations for the Dorset Echo Toy Appeal.

Morrisons has backed the appeal for more than a decade - collecting toys and gifts for children who would otherwise not get a visit from Santa Claus.

Weymouth duty manager, Stuart Heaton said: "We support the Toy Appeal because it's a very good local cause which we back every year. We want to show our support for our local community and at what better time than Christmas."

While stocking up on festive fare, customers at Morrisons in Dorchester Road, Weymouth and Morrisons in West Bay Road, Bridport can also donate to collection bins on the shop floor to ensure needy children experience just as much festive cheer as they do.

Bridport store manager, Paul Prentice said: "Morrisons is always pleased to help the local community and to help those who are less well off is always a satisfying thing to do."

The supermarket giant was founded by Ken Morrison in Yorkshire in 1931 and today, there are almost 500 branches across the UK, employing more than 110,000 staff and serving 11 million customers a week.

The Toy Appeal has now been running for 18 years and aims to collect enough toys, gifts and donations to make sure every child in Dorset has a present to open on Christmas morning - no matter what their circumstances.

Echo promotions manager Debbie Hellaby said: “We appreciate that this time of the year is a challenge for every family as each year we have an increasing number of applications made to the appeal for toys.

“We urge those that can to donate, to pop a new gift to one of our collection bins. We particularly struggle to source baby toys and gifts for children age 13 to 16 years but will welcome any donations.”

All the toys collected will be distributed before Christmas to children who really appreciate them.

As well as public donations at bins across the county, generous businesses have been making £100 donations to buy gifts and vouchers.

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.

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