A record haul of Christmas toys for needy children have been presented to a regional daily.

The Dorset Echo’s 17th annual toy appeal has raised £4,493 this year, along with 737 donations of toys from readers.

Businesses which donate £100 or more to the cause are featured in the Echo for their generosity.

A selection of the toys will be given to a hospital on the newspaper’s patch for children admitted over Christmas.

In a message to readers, Echo promotions manager Debbie Hellaby said: “I would like to thank each and every supporter of the toy appeal.

“Whether you have donated a toy or made a donation to purchase toys, without your support we would not be able to run the appeal and do our best to ensure that every child in our area has a present to open at Christmas.

Debbie, pictured above left, added: “This is a challenging task that is made easier by the support of the readers, businesses and organisations in the area who never cease to surprise us with their generosity. Thank you.”