POORLY children and their families received a festive boost thanks to the generosity of donors to the Daily Echo and Amelia's Rainbow Christmas Toy Appeal.

Hundreds of children suffering terminal, life-limiting, serious and chronic illnesses were presented with gifts over the festive period.

The charity, set up in memory of eight-year-old Amelia Grace Cooper, delivered more than 150 sacks of toys to children and their siblings across the county.

Representatives also visited the children's wards at Poole Hospital and the Dorset County Hospital on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Presents were also given to families recommended by social workers and to those being accommodated in refuges over Christmas.

Now charity spokesman Natalie Newman has thanked all those who donated to the appeal.

She said: "From the bottom of our hearts we are eternally grateful for your support. I hope that you are proud of what you have helped Amelia's Rainbow achieve with our 2018 Toy Appeal."

Throughout December we urged our readers to dig deep and buy an extra Christmas present for the appeal.

A spectacular selection of toys was delivered to collection points across the conurbation, including the Daily Echo offices in Richmond Hill and to 4Com at Aviation Park West, Bournemouth Airport.

Toys were sorted and wrapped by staff and volunteers at 4Com and all were delivered in time for the big day.

Amelia's Rainbow was founded to honour the memory of eight-year-old Amelia Grace Cooper in 2010 following her death from an aggressive form of childhood cancer called neuroblastoma.

It supports children in Dorset and the surrounding area who are suffering from any terminal, life-limiting, serious and chronic illnesses.

The charity aims to create an environment full of fun, laughter, achievement and memories through providing funds for activities and play which will enrich the lives of children who are suffering.