A HOTEL in Weymouth is helping Dorset's poorest children have a happy Christmas this year.

Kindly staff at the Rembrandt Hotel on Dorchester Road have collected toys for the Dorset Echo Christmas Toy Appeal, which is now in its 20th year.

Kathryn Mansell from the Rembrandt said: "This is our fourth year donating to the Christmas Toy Appeal. We feel it is a great cause and hope the children will be pleased with the gifts they receive.

"The toys were donated by Housekeeping and Sue and Graham Roper. The Rembrandt would like to wish readers of the Dorset Echo a merry Christmas."

The Toy Appeal was set up to help support families who are unable to afford presents at Christmas. Businesses have been donating £100 each to the appeal - every penny of which will be spent on gifts to help make sure no child in Dorset wakes up without presents on Christmas morning.

With just weeks until the big day and a shortfall in donations this year, a plea is now going out for as many businesses and residents as possible to step forward and donate in time to save Christmas.

Debbie Hellaby, Dorset Echo promotions manager, said: "With your support we hope to turn things around in time - it's not too late to help.

"Without more donations, Christmas will just be another day for Dorset's underprivileged youngsters - many of whom are living in care homes, refuges, or are from poverty-stricken families relying on food banks.

"You can make a huge difference to a child just by buying one extra gift while you're doing your Christmas shopping this year, and dropping it off at one of our collection bins.

"We're also urging local businesses to come forward by donating £100.

"To show our appreciation, businesses who donate will each be featured in an article in the Echo."

To make a donation online visit dorsetecho.co.uk/toyappeal.

Business wishing to donate should contact Maureen by calling 01305 830811 or email maureen.jolliffe@dorsetecho.co.uk