A MACHINERY manufacturer is supporting our Christmas Toy Appeal with the biggest donation so far.

IML UK, based on the Granby Industrial Estate in Weymouth, has donated an incredibly generous £200 to the 21st Dorset Echo Christmas Toy Appeal.

Every penny of their kind donation will be spent on gifts that will be distributed in time for the big day.

The company, which was started in 1995, has donated to the appeal for the last two years and director Jerry Way is thrilled to be supporting it once again.

He said: "I think children are suffering this year, especially with the coronavirus pandemic, so if there is anything we can do to alleviate that then we have got to do it.

"Our employees have young families so this is something that is close to all of our hearts as we all think that local kids deserve to have something to open on Christmas Day.

"We think that the Toy Appeal is such a great cause and we are so pleased to support it in any way we can."

Last year's Toy Appeal saw businesses and readers raise an incredible £4933.05, smashing the previous year's total of £3,428.99 and we are hoping to raise more than that this year.

However, to even get close to beating last year's total, we still desperately need more donations so that we can provide every underprivileged child in the Dorset Echo circulation area with a gift to unwrap at Christmas.

Debbie Hellaby, brand, marketing and compliance manager at the Dorset Echo, said: "We appreciate that this time of the year is a challenge for every family and this year following the pandemic and with the arrival of the new normal it is even more so.

"Without the support of our readers and local businesses we would not be able to help to put smiles on all those families faces at Christmas, so in advance of your help thank you."

If you are a business wishing to make a £100 donation, or an individual wishing to donate, please call Maureen on 01305 830811 or email maureen.jolliffe@dorsetecho.co.uk