FOR a child, Christmas should be the most magical time of the year.

Sadly, this is not always the case, and it is why one organisation has kindly donated to the Dorset Echo Toy Appeal in its 20th anniversary year.

The Watercress Company, based at Waddock Cross near Dorchester, has donated £100 to the appeal for another year.

The company has a team of more than 300 experts who help to produce quality watercress in a safe and sustainable way at farms in Dorset, Hampshire, Spain and Florida.

Chairman Peter Old, who founded the company 21 years ago, said: "As a local businessman, I have supported the Christmas Toy Appeal for many years since it started 20 years ago.

"With 12 grandchildren of my own, I appreciate that Christmas is a special time of the year to bring families together, and I hope that my contribution will help those children in need to have a happy Christmas."

The Watercress Company has grown to become a market leader which now sells watercress, baby leaf salads and wasabi throughout the UK and Europe. The company's generous donation will be used to buy gifts for disadvantaged children at Christmas time.

Last year’s Toy Appeal saw readers and businesses raise a grand total of £3,428.99 and we need your help again to beat this target.

All it takes is a one-off donation of £100, which will make a big difference to children facing poverty.

Dorset Echo promotions manager Debbie Hellaby said: “Without the support of our readers and businesses we would not be able to help put smiles on all those families’ faces at Christmas, so a big ‘thank you’ in advance for your help.”

To find out more about the Dorset Echo Christmas Toy Appeal visit dorsetecho.co.uk/toyappeal

If your business would like to make a £100 donation, please email mjolliffe@newsquest.co.uk