YOUNGSTERS celebrated the season of goodwill by thinking of those less fortunate than themselves.

Children showed their support to this year’s annual Big Christmas Toy Appeal, organised by Bolton Lions by collected a mountain of gifts to be distributed to more than 1,000 children in Bolton, who may otherwise not receive a present on December 25.

The children, who attend Bolton School’s Beech House, handed over the gifts personally to two members of the club, who filled up the van with the toys and gifts for babies to late teens.

Babu Royce from Bolton Lions, said: “This year we have seen a big influx of children requiring toys and, as ever, Beech House has provided a large donation of presents. “Without the generosity of the people of Bolton and the children we could not do our work.”

A spokesman for Bolton School added: “The school has been involved with the campaign for many years .

“This year saw a mountain of presents collected for distribution to over 1,000 young people in the Bolton community.”

Members of the public are urged to buy an extra present this Christmas and donated it to the appeal, with collection points throughout the borough.

Each year the appeal, co-ordinated by Bolton Lions has helped struggling families and has done so for 30 years.

Appeal co-ordinators say that the extra gift will make a big difference to families on Christmas morning.

For information on the appeal and location of drop-off points visit http://www.boltonlions.org.uk/