CHRISTMAS will be made a little better for needy children in the area thanks to staff at Sharky's Play Zone in Weymouth.

The town's play area is backing our appeal once again and staff are urging people to be as generous as possible to make Christmas a little brighter for under-privileged children across Dorset.

Play area assistant Sam Cowley said: "We've had several toys donated since we got the bin, but we still need more to be given."

We still have a long way to go to ensure every needy youngster receives a NEW gift this Christmas.

Many of these children will only ever have received second-hand toys and the aim of our appeal is to make sure that this Christmas is different and special.

Dorset Social Services are helping us make sure that everything you donate - no matter how small - will go to a deserving case and will be greatly appreciated.

The Echo appeal will run until a few days before Christmas, so the next time you are out shopping please think of those less fortunate and add something extra to your list.

Our drop-in bins are located across Weymouth, Portland, Dorchester and Bridport.

Last year readers donated a staggering 4,000 new toys to the Echo appeal, but the need for presents is just as great this year.

The following stores are generously participating in our Toy Appeal. You will find a bin in each store where you can place a NEW toy or gift which will be donated to the appeal and given to a needy child:

Asda, Newstead Road, Weymouth. Safeway, West Bay Road, Bridport. Safeway, Dorchester Road, Weymouth. Tesco, Weymouth Avenue, Dorchester, Tesco, St Thomas St, Weymouth. Toymaster, South St, Bridport. Toymaster, South St, Dorchester. Howley's, Frederick Place, Weymouth, Gould's Household Store, South St, Dorchester. Island Treasure, Easton St, Portland. WH Smith, South St, Dorchester. WH Smith, St Thomas St, Weymouth, WH Smith, East St, Bridport. Matalan, Jubilee Business Park, Weymouth. Sharky's, Custom House Quay, Weymouth, Woolworths, South St, Dorchester.

Dorset County Council, County Hall, Dorchester.

Dorset Echo offices: St Mary Street, Weymouth. Fleet House, Hampshire Road, Granby Industrial Estate, Weymouth. Antelope Walk, Dorchester. East Street, Bridport.

IF you would like your business to participate please contact Jo Scally on (01305) 830984 and she will be more than happy to help.