A DORSET business has backed Dorset Echo's Christmas Toy Appeal - and said supporting worthwhile courses and helping others in the community is 'what you should do'.

Kitchen Craft in Weymouth has generously backed this year’s campaign with a £100 donation to buy gifts for children in the county who might otherwise go without on December 25.

Managing Director Brian Cookson said: "It is such a worthwhile cause to support the toy appeal.

“We back it just because it’s what you should do and what other businesses should do to support the local community and help those in need, especially at this time of year.”

Kitchencraft is one of the UK's largest kitchenware companies providing a variety of products from its site on the Granby Industrial Estate

Last year the Dorset Echo raised its highest ever amount of £5,432 despite the pandemic, smashing the previous year’s total of £4,933.05. It is thanks to donations like this that the previous total is well on its way to being beaten again this year - and by some margin.

Last year, toy collection bins could not be put out due to the impact of the pandemic. But it was thanks to the help of Weymouth Rotary that they returned for this year's campaign.

Debbie Hellaby Newsquest group promotions manager said: “Sourcing, collecting and organising the toys for hundreds of children is not an easy task, the toys are usually matched to the age and interest of each child individually.

“We are delighted to accept the support of the Weymouth Rotary Club to facilitate the collection and collation of toys.”

President of Weymouth Rotary Club Jerry Way said: “Weymouth Rotary Club is proud to assist with the Echo’s Toy Appeal for 2021. It’s a fabulous fundraiser benefitting kids in need in our community at Christmas.

"Well done to you all at the Echo, fantastic work."

Toy donations made at the collection points located across the whole of Dorset were collected on Monday December 6 to be distributed to youngsters and are no longer in place.