THIS year’s Daily Echo toy appeal has been so successful that its organiser has lost count of the number of presents donated.

Phil Carey, 91, says generous Dorset residents may have bought more than 10,000 presents for those in need this Christmas, which would top last year’s total.

However, the great-grandfather said he’s unlikely to ever discover how many toys were donated in total.

Mr Carey, who has organised the event for 16 years, said: “I can’t give any totals as it’s just been so busy.

“Even now, we’re still getting people coming to us to ask for presents, so everything that has come in has found a place under someone’s Christmas tree. It’s been an absolutely terrific year.”

Presents have collected at a number of locations, including Boots in Bournemouth, Boscombe, Christ-church, Southbourne and Poole, and at the Echo’s office in Richmond Hill and Poole’s Dolphin Centre.

All the gifts will go to struggling families to make sure no child wakes up without a present.

Bournemouth’s Townsend Child-ren’s Centre has been the biggest recipient of gifts, with 300 already donated, and around 200 more expected from Boots in Boscombe.

Popular Mr Carey, who has received 179 Christmas cards from friends around the world so far this year, said: “Townsend really does take care of a lot of families who are in need, but everyone who asked for help has received a present.

“The women’s shelters in Poole and Bournemouth have also done very well this year. The demand has been very high. It just goes to show that you never know how someone is doing. They might have a big house, but often they’re struggling to pay bills, and it means their children might not have a present this year.”

Mr Carey said anyone who wants to bring a present in will be welcomed.

“People are still bringing in gifts, and that’s wonderful,” he said.

“All presents are welcome. We appreciate them all.”