STAFF at the Wellworths store in Dorchester are urging customers to come in and buy a gift for the Dorset Echo’s Christmas Toy Appeal.

Store manager Claire Robertson said the toy appeal had been a great success every year since she began working at the shop on South Street five years ago when it was Woolworths.

She said: “I think it’s been particularly successful here because we stock such a broad range of toys.

“We get people coming in and buying gifts to put them in the bin straight away and there is already a number of large toys in there at the moment.

“I think it is a really good opportunity for people to support those in the community who don’t have as much as others.

“Sometimes people may want to donate money to charity but they’re not sure how, but this makes it easy for people. It helps of course that it is Christmas time when everyone should be enjoying themselves and people are generally feeling more charitable.”

Staff members Patty Ball and Terri Edwards were among the first to encourage shoppers to donate presents for the appeal.

Assistant manager Terri, 43, said: “As it is Christmas time the cause is definitely worthwhile because the children in need shouldn’t have to miss out.”

Sales assistant Patty, 58, added: “I think it is really important because it helps those children and also brings the whole community together.

“It does make you think about people who are less fortunate than yourself.”

It is the 10th anniversary of the appeal this Christmas and it is hoped that this year will be the most successful yet, with more than 20 stores involved.

People can put gifts into the collection bins found in stores and these are then distributed to needy children.