THEY ARE piling up the gifts at Howley's Toy Shop in Weymouth as staff and customers support the Echo's third Christmas Toy Appeal.

John Bentley, manager of the shop, said: "We're delighted with the generosity of the Weymouth community.

"It's great that everybody is getting into the festive spirit by remembering those less fortunate than themselves."

For many of us it's hard to imagine spending Christmas in a house where there will be no presents to open.

But there are children who will be expecting nothing or very little when they wake on Christmas morning. If you donate a gift to our toy appeal, you could make the difference for them this year.

It doesn't have to be an expensive or extravagant gift, but we would ask you to remember that there are children of all ages in need of your generosity and although cuddly toys are fun to buy, they do not always make appropriate gifts for older boys.

Howley's is one of many shops across the area supporting our campaign, which aims to give a gift to a genuine cause this Christmas. So if you are planning to pay a visit to the shop in Frederick Place when you are out Christmas shopping, please try and spare an extra gift.

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.

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