A weekly newspaper’s Christmas appeal has beaten the odds to reach its target of 13,500 toys just before the final deadline.

The Newham Recorder launched its annual appeal in November to brighten up the festive period for needy youngsters, in partnership with local organisation Community Links.

But a series of dramas including heavy snow, postal delays and car trouble conspired against the appeal and it was feared for the first time in 34 years, the Archant London title may not hit its target.

But editor Colin Grainger said the community spirit of readers ensured the equivalent of 13,500 toys was collected just in time – with nearly 5,000 toys donated in the last week before the deadline.

Local youngsters are given gifts collected during the appeal by Santa Claus.

The appeal means more than 3,000 children will have gifts to open on Christmas morning, while families at risk and senior citizens have been given seasonal food hampers.

Said Colin: “For the seven weeks of the appeal we really did think that for the first time in 34 years we would fail. But the appeal reached its target just before the final deadline.

“Despite the doom and gloom that has hit everywhere this year, we can all really feel good at this special time of year.

“Our appeal in conjunction with a group that is at the very heart of local life in our borough truly does symbolise how much hope we can take into 2011.”

Staff from Community Links have collected the toys which have been donated at drop-off points across the borough and readers have also given money towards the appeal.