GENEROUS readers are sparing a thought for others as they prepare themselves for Christmas.

With only three weeks to go until the big day, gifts are flooding in to the annual Caring Christmas Appeal run by the Bolton Lions' Club and the Bolton Evening News.

Toys, cheques and other gifts donated so far will ensure that more than 750 local children will have presents this Christmas.

But the appeal is hoping to help 1,000 children from needy families this year. So even more help is needed.

Bolton Lions members have been busy collecting the gifts, including those from nine church toy services.

"The people of Bolton are very generous at this time of year, " said Bolton Lions spokesman Jim Wells. He asked that anyone handing in games or jigsaws to check all the pieces are in the boxes.

Heart rending stories include a 62-year-old father of six left to bring up the children alone after his wife walked out and a disabled couple who are struggling to provide a good Christmas for their two young boys.

Donations can be sent to Caring Christmas Appeal, Angela Kelly, Features Editor, Bolton Evening News, Churchgate, Bolton BL1 1DE. Cheques or postal orders can be made out to Bolton Lions.