JUST when we thought our toy appeal couldn't get any better, it did.

We've already handed over thousands of gifts to deserving children across Dorset.

And this week even more have poured through the doors of the Daily Echo offices in Richmond Hill.

Stuart Holt of Lansdowne-based Holt Recruitment and his colleagues delivered hundreds of pounds worth of new toys for the fourth year running.

He said: "We have just been to the toy shop and bought a range of gifts for girls and boys of all ages. It's Christmas - everyone deserves a present."

The Echo's 21st anniversary toy appeal has proved to be the best ever and we have been staggered by the generosity of our readers.

They have turned up in their hundreds at collection points across Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch.

One generous benefactor donated two new Xbox consoles, complete with controllers and games, which will be donated to children's wards at Poole and Dorset County Hospitals.

They will be handed over on Christmas Day by representatives from the Amelia's Rainbow charity.

Popular toys including Lego, My Little Pony, Trolls, Disney Princess and Star Wars have been well-represented.

And there were hundreds of cuddly toys, puzzles, games and arts and crafts sets.

Story time for many children will be transformed by the donation of scores of books.

The Daily Echo joined forces again this year with Amelia's Rainbow, which supports families with terminal, life-limiting and serious chronic illnesses.

As well as visits to hospital children's wards, Amelia's Rainbow will also give toys to around 100 families it supports.

Daily Echo Editor Andy Martin said: "We have had an unprecedented response this year which goes to show how generous everybody is.

"Those who have given to the appeal have brought joy to lots of children this year, which is amazing."