GENEROUS retailers from Poole’s Dolphin Shopping Centre have donated a range of goodies to the Daily Echo’s Christmas Toy Appeal.

Representatives from Wilko, Beales, BHS, Argos, WH Smith and the Dolphin Centre handed over items at the Echo’s Poole office on Tuesday afternoon.

Our appeal, which aims to ensure needy youngsters across the county have a present to open this Christmas, is now in its 18th year.

Dolphin centre administrator Lisa King said: “It’s fantastic to see the retailers here at the Dolphin Shopping Centre come together to give something back to the local community.

“We always like to support a worthy cause when we can and as this is aimed at local children who are less fortunate than ourselves it is even more poignant.

“Everyone deserves to have a good time at Christmas. I would certainly encourage others to donate as well, however large or small.”

The Toy Appeal, which was organised by Phil Carey MBE before his death earlier this year, will see toys and toiletries donated to those who might otherwise have nothing to open during the festive season.

This includes women in refuges in Poole and Bournemouth and, for the second year running, poorly children facing Christmas in hospital.

Ill children and their siblings will receive presents through the Amelia-Grace Rainbow Fund, established after the death of eight-year-old Amelia-Grace Cooper, who died three years ago from cancer.

Last year more than 10,000 gifts were donated to needy youngsters. Unwrapped presents can be handed in at the Daily Echo offices in the Dolphin Centre, Poole, and Richmond Hill, Bournemouth.