The Dorset Echo’s Christmas Toy Appeal is in its 24th year and we are grateful for every donation received.

Children across the county will receive a present to unwrap on Christmas Day thanks to the kind hearts of local businesses and our readers.

Holiday let agency Dream Cottages are one of those local businesses to have donated with £100 going towards this year’s appeal.

Dream Cottages represent over 400 self-catered properties across the county, including modern seaside apartments, cosy country cottages and breath-taking coastal retreats.

With over 30 years’ experience, and two welcoming local offices in Weymouth’s Hope Square and Swanage, they’re the Dorset experts.

Aislinn Peters, owner relations manager at Dream Cottages, said: “We’re delighted to be able to support this fantastic initiative for another year and do our bit for those families less fortunate during the festive period.

"We hope this helps brings some magic to few more children in Dorset this Christmas.”

We asked readers to give a thought to children in need this Christmas and buy one extra present to go in a Dorset Echo Toy Appeal bin which were located at various local businesses.

All the toys collected will be distributed before Christmas to children who really appreciate them.

Businesses were also invited to make a £100 donation, and donations were also welcomed from readers for any amount.

The Toy Appeal bins have now been collected and we are no longer accepting donations.