PARTY HARD, have fun and raise money for a good cause - that's the message behind a festive event at Weymouth's Closet Bar tonight.

All money taken on the door and raised during the night will be added to the fundraising pot for the Dorset Echo Christmas Toy Appeal. This means that every penny will be spent on making sure babies, children and young teenagers facing hardship will wake up to presents on Christmas morning.

Manager Jamie Crage said: “We have some amazing acts lined up this year. It's going to be a fun night and a party as always.

“Drag queen Wilma will be a fantastic host for the evening - her main performance on stage will be at 10:30pm, with songs from the Eighties and comedy. Then we have the amazing Leanne Jackson with her Lady Gaga tribute act, followed by our resident DJ 'til the early hours playing party pop and cheese.

"We will be collecting money on the night and selling raffle tickets for drinks and chocolate hampers - all the proceeds will be going towards buying toys for children less fortunate this Christmas.”

The event at the Maiden Street bar starts at 9pm and costs £5 per person.

Other ways to support the Toy Appeal include buying an extra present while Christmas shopping this year, and donating it to one of the charity collection bins. Businesses have also been supporting the appeal by donating £100.

You can donate toys at the following locations:

Morrisons - Bridport

Toymaster - Bridport

Tesco - Dorchester

Toymaster - Dorchester

WH Smith - Dorchester

Mole Valley - Dorchester

Co-Op - Easton, Portland

Dorset Echo - Granby Industrial Estate, Weymouth

Tesco - Portland

Boo's Toyshop - Poundbury

Asda - Weymouth

Goulds Garden Centre - Littlemoor, Weymouth

Howleys - Frederick Place, Weymouth

Howleys - Junior Shop, Weymouth

Morrisons - Weymouth

Tesco - Weymouth town centre

WH Smith - Weymouth

Wilkinsons - Weymouth

Matalan - Weymouth

Kitchen Craft - Weymouth

For more information contact Maureen Jolliffe on 01305 830811.

Businesses wishing to make a £100 donation should email mjolliffe@newsquest.co.uk