THANK you, Bolton -- you are magnificent!

That is the message from Bolton Lions after cash gifts and toys from hundreds of local people came in for the Caring Christmas Appeal, run by them and the BEN.

Astonishing acts of generosity have become almost commonplace during this year's campaign to ensure that needy children in the borough get toys at Christmas.

This week, an envelope containing an anonymous donation of £500 was sent to the BEN's head office in Churchgate.

The message, possibly in elderly handwriting, explains: "We have sent the money because we can't carry presents -- there would be too many."

This seasonal act of kindness is just one of many shown to Bolton's poorest youngsters through this important annual campaign. An anonymous collection of 5p coins totalling £20 came with the good wishes of a reader.

Even local taxmen and women have helped out. Staff at the recovery office of the Inland Revenue at Stone Cross House in Churchgate donated £200 raised in their tuck shop.

Help for the borough's most deprived children has come from local schools like George Tomlinson's School at Kearsley, where pupils collected scores of toys for the appeal.

Cheques and cash have poured in for the campaign from local people, and there has been plenty of help from stores like Sainsbury's, Safeway, Asda, Morrisons, Focus Do It All, Debenhams, Hilary Ann, Peacocks and Traidcraft.

Father Christmas in Crompton Place has been busy collecting cash and gifts and cheering up visiting youngsters.

And at the new Tesco Extra store at Horwich, many shoppers have been buying toys for needy children via their Christmas tree scheme to boost the appeal.

Brian Mann from Bolton Lions was full of praise for the generosity of local people, firms and organisations.

"It has been absolutely wonderful this year -- 90 per cent of the toys given are new, and there have been some remarkable cash donations."

But there are still hundreds of applications for help from local families where cash is too scarce for gifts at this costly time of year.

You can still donate:

funds -- by sending any amount (cheques made out to Bolton Lions) to: Caring Christmas Campaign, Angela Kelly, Features Dept, Bolton Evening News, Churchgate, Bolton BL1 1DE;

toys and gifts -- take them to any of the collection points here, or ring for help if you need items collecting.