THANK you from Jenny, thank you from Donna, thank you from Richard, thank you from Joanne.

Seven hundred Thank You's go from needy children in the Bolton area who WILL have presents on Christmas morning because of the kindness of BEN readers.

Bolton Lions -- partners in the annual Caring Christmas Appeal with the Bolton Evening News -- report that more than £10,000 worth of toys and gifts have been handed in at the collection points around the Bolton area.

And many people have gone out especially to buy new toys for children they will never meet.

More than 300 families have been helped this Christmas by the appeal, which is run with the co-operation of local charities and agencies. And it's thanks to ordinary members of the public sharing the true spirit of Christmas.

Many people gave cash donations or gifts to the appeal instead of cards. Nurses on N4 at the Royal Bolton Hospital did this, as did members of Eric and Marjorie Dyer's dance classes at Horwich Leisure.

The over-60s WRVS club which meets on Mondays at Crompton Court, Little Lever, also gave charity cash in lieu of greetings.

Staff at Bentwood Bros. in St Helens Road, Bolton, sent 120 selection boxes for local youngsters, and Little Lever Workingmen's Club sent a £300 donation.

Children at Beech House Preparatory School in Bolton had a toy collection for less fortunate youngsters, and the Sunar Gaw Indian Restaurant in Manchester Road, Burnden, donated a cheque for £200 to boost the appeal. Several local companies, like Great Universal Stores which collected two sacks of toys, have aided the campaign. Anonymous gifts of cheques and cash have also been sent to the BEN at its Churchgate headquarters.

Brian Mann, of Bolton Lions, praised everyone for their kindness, making particular mention of the BEN, Crompton Place, the collection venues, and companies "who responded so well".

He also thanked churches like Tonge Moor United Reformed, Walmsley C of E, St Andrew's and St George's, Westhoughton Reformed Church and St Paul's at Astley Bridge which had all held toy services.

"And, of course," added Brian, "we must not forget the wonderful, generous people of Bolton. We hope you all have a very happy Christmas, too."