Weymouth and Portland Lions Club has once again thrown its support behind the Dorset Echo Toy Appeal with a £100 donation.

Members of the club visited the Echo offices to personally deliver the cheque which is a welcome boost for the appeal in its 20th anniversary year.

Each year a growing number of families facing hardship call on the Toy Appeal - the Lions' generous donation will help disadvantaged children have a happy Christmas.

Trevor Stratton, of the Lions Club, said: "The Toy Appeal is a fantastic thing that the Echo does. We love supporting it and have done so for a number of years.

"All of our funds go directly to local charities, with every penny we raise going out at no cost.

"We are pleased to be able to support underprivileged children with our donation."

The Weymouth and Portland Lions Club was formed in 1969 under the Lions International motto ‘We Serve’, and currently has dozens of members from all walks of life who raise money to help those in need in the community.

Funds raised by the appeal will be used to buy gifts and toys to make sure every child has a reason to smile this Christmas Day.

The Dorset Echo Toy appeal has been running for 20 years, and aims to make sure children facing hardship in Dorset receive presents this festive season.

Last year’s Toy Appeal saw readers and businesses raise a grand total of £3,428.99 and we need your help again to beat this target - but there's not long left.

All it takes is a one-off donation of £100, which will make a big difference to children facing poverty.

Dorset Echo promotions manager Debbie Hellaby said: “Without the support of our readers and businesses we would not be able to help put smiles on all those families’ faces at Christmas, so a big ‘thank you’ in advance for your help.”

To find out more about the Dorset Echo Christmas Toy Appeal visit dorsetecho.co.uk/toyappeal

If your businesses would like to make a £100 donation, please email mjolliffe@newsquest.co.uk