TOYS are pouring in to Dorset County Council's offices as it supports the Echo's Christmas Toy Appeal yet again this year.

The toy bin at the council's Dorchester offices has already been emptied after kind-hearted people across the county dropped in with some wonderful gifts.

The communications manager for the council, Daragh Croxson, said: "As ever, people have been very generous in donating toys to the appeal and everyone at the County Council is delighted to support the Echo's campaign."

But staff are urging people to dig deep and buy an extra toy this Christmas for a child who is expecting little or nothing over the festive season.

The Echo wants to collect even more toys than last year and give needy children a wonderful Christmas.

We understand that Christmas is a costly time of year for most people, but any gifts, no matter how small or inexpensive, will be greatly appreciated by children who don't expect to get anything from Santa.

Together with local businesses we have organised collection points for the appeal throughout the area to make it easier for people to make a donation.

And Dorset Social Services will be helping us make sure the toys get to the children who need them.

So, next time you are out doing your Christmas shopping, try to buy something extra and drop it into one of our bins. It will make a huge difference to a needy child on Christmas Day.

Please only donate a new and unwrapped toy or gift, this will enable us to ensure that the most suitable gifts go to the right children this Christmas.

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.