SMILES lit up the Boscombe Salvation Army centre yesterday when toddlers were handed cuddly toys and presents from the Daily Echo toy appeal.

At least 60 youngsters and their parents giggled with delight when the kids received the gifts from the annual Christmas collection.

Now in its 17th year, the appeal aims to ensure that less-fortunate or ill children are not forgotten by Father Christmas on December 25.

Last year, more than 10,000 gifts were donated to needy youngsters throughout Dorset thanks to our generous readers.

Great-grandfather Phil Carey, who organises the event, said: “The Salvation Army centre was absolutely packed, you could barely move. I think the mothers enjoyed the event as much as the kids. They were all laughing, joking and singing Christmas songs. The presents were really special and lots of them were cuddly toys which the toddlers loved.”

A special Christmas meal with mince pies, cakes and biscuits was also provided by the Boscombe Salvation Army for the parents and toddlers group.

Toys will also be distributed to the Townsend Children’s Centre and the Butterfly Foundation.

The appeal will continue until Friday, December 20 and you can drop off at the Bournemouth office on Richmond Hill or the Poole office in the Dolphin Centre.

Major Carelle Begley from Boscombe Salvation Army said: “It was such a lovely event and all the children we so excited.

“There were big smiles all around and families came from lots of different nationalities to cele-brate.

“Some of the parents even brought in some food and we were all singing and having a great party.”