Webx - Weymouth Business Exchange - has donated a very merry £100 to this year's Christmas Toy Appeal.

The Toy Appeal is raising money to help buy presents for children who would otherwise be going without this year.

Malcolm Steevens, chairman of Webx, said: “ We’ve been supporting the Echo's Toy Appeal for the last few years, as a lot of the members have children. We know how lovely it is to see the joy in our children’s faces at Christmas when opening their presents.

"We know that there are a lot of families and children locally who are maybe not so fortunate and we would like all children to have the same wonderful experience as our own. We therefore encourage all other local businesses and business organisations to donate and get involved with this very worthwhile cause.”

Webx is a local networking group of business owners that currently meets three times a month at Weymouth Pavilion. The group's primary function is to offer help and support to members, particularly 'start up' businesses, whilst also supporting local charities and worthwhile causes.

Mr Steevens explained that group meetings give each business owner the opportunity to present a short sales pitch and outline the sort of work or contracts they’re looking for. As a result, the other members support them by referring relevant business opportunities.

Since the group's formation in October 2014, nearly 1800 leads have been passed on, resulting in over 750k worth of invoiced work.

Webx currently has 19 members and is looking to grow this to 25-30 in 2019. Local businesses that are actively looking to grow are encouraged to get in touch with the group via its website; www.webx.org.uk.

More donations from businesses are needed to help beat 2017's total, when businesses and Echo readers helped raise a record-breaking total of £4,644.52.

Toy donations are also being collected at strategic locations around Weymouth, Portland, Dorchester and surrounding areas. They will be handed out before Christmas, ready to be unwrapped by local children who would otherwise be going without this year.

For more information contact Maureen Jolliffe on 01305 830811.

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