THANKS to the support of Bournemouth donors, the recent Argos Toy Exchange will be providing new hope in the new year to some of the UK’s most disadvantaged children.

More than £560,000 worth of pre-loved toys were donated to Barnardo’s nationwide through the retailer. During the six-week campaign with Argos, donations to Barnardo’s rose by more than 56,000 bags.

In the South West alone, the charity received almost 3,200 additional bags. Gerard Cousins, Barnardo’s director of retail and trading, said: “Christmas is one of our busiest times, so it was a real festive bonus to receive this substantial boost to our stock.

“Donations are absolutely essential to keep our stores trading. All profits from selling these toys are ploughed directly into our work with vulnerable and disadvantaged children.”

Barnardo’s has shops at Ashley Road in Parkstone, Poole Road in Westbourne, Wimborne Road in Winton and Christchurch Road in Boscombe.

The charity manages Sure Start children’s centres in Stokewood, Winton, Queen’s Park, Westbourne and Townsend.