A BUSINESS has once again helped to put smiles on children's faces this Christmas with a generous donation to our Toy Appeal.

Highwood, an agricultural and garden machinery retailer based in Miller’s Close, Dorchester, has donated £100 to the appeal which is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

We're hoping to raise more money than ever this year with the support of local stores and businesses.

All the money that is donated will be used to buy gifts for underprivileged children living in Dorset to open on Christmas Day.

Operations manager Nick Green said: "Highwood have been donating to the Christmas Toy Appeal for many years and we congratulate the Echo for achieving this 20th anniversary milestone.

"This is a very worthy cause and knowing our donation will make a difference to an underprivileged child at Christmas is what gives us pleasure.

"Christmas is about giving and we feel this is our way of supporting local children.

"We encourage other local businesses to donate to this appeal and make someone happy."

Highwood sells a range of premium brand agricultural farm, groundcare and horticultural machinery from leading manufacturers.

At the firm’s depot, in the Grove trading Estate, a team of experienced engineers are on hand to help customers with servicing and repair needs.

Last year’s Toy Appeal saw readers and businesses raise a grand total of £3,428.99 and we need your help again to beat this target.

All it takes is a one-off donation of £100, which will make a big difference to children facing poverty.

Dorset Echo promotions manager Debbie Hellaby said: “Without the support of our readers and businesses we would not be able to help put smiles on all those families’ faces at Christmas, so a big ‘thank you’ in advance for your help.”

To find out more about the Dorset Echo Christmas Toy Appeal visit dorsetecho.co.uk/toyappeal

If your businesses would like to make a £100 donation, please email mjolliffe@newsquest.co.uk