THE generous boss of a Bournemouth-based office supplies company has donated 144 adorable cuddly toys to the Daily Echo toy appeal.

Tony Baker, group director of The Roman Group, gives out the Character Co toys as incentives with big orders.

But he decided to donate many of them to the appeal after reading about it in the Daily Echo.

Tony is just one of the latest supporters of the appeal, now in its 21st year.

Dayne and Sahra Ward, who run Flaming Nora's toy and gift shop in Seabourne Road, Southbourne have also offered to be a collection point for donations.

They are placing a box in their shop and have kicked things off by making a few donations themselves.

The Daily Echo has joined forces with the Amelia’s Rainbow Fund, which provides gifts for children who are in hospital over Christmas and also for individuals and families it supports.

Presents will also be distributed through other organisations and charities including foodbanks and children’s centres.

The Dolphin Centre in Poole and Christchurch council are also supporting the appeal by offering collection points for toys.

Amelia’s Rainbow Fund was set up following the death of eight-year-old Amelia-Grace Cooper in 2010. The popular little girl was struck down with an aggressive form of childhood cancer called Neuroblastoma.

Before she died her parents, Chantel and Karl, were able to enjoy special days out and outings thanks to the generosity of others.

The fund offers special days out to other children with life-limiting illnesses.

Toy collection points are:

Daily Echo offices in Richmond Hill, Bournemouth and Commercial Road, Swanage

Dolphin Centre, Poole

Christchurch council offices, Bridge Street

4COM, Aviation Park West, Christchurch

Store and Secure, Yeoman's Way, Castlepoint

Top Cat Media Group, Scotter Road, Pokesdown

MK Estates, Castle Parade, Iford

MK Estates, Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth

Jigsaw Specialist Recruitment, Willis Way, Poole

The Funky Peach, Ashley Road, Parkstone

Highcliffe Hays Travel, Lymington Road

L of a Car, Ringwood Road, Poole

TSB, Christchurch Road, Boscombe

Ambassadeur Art, Westover Road, Bournemouth

The Jewel Box, Wimborne Road, Winton

Currys/PC World, Broadstone Way, Poole

Flaming Nora's, Seabourne Road, Southbourne