READERS of The Bolton News are proving to be as generous as always when it comes to making Christmas a special time for local disadvantaged youngsters.

We have already received cheques and donations of gifts for our Caring Christmas campaign — run in conjunction with Bolton Lions — and know our kind-hearted readers will continue to help support us as we do need more.

The appeal has been running for 27 years and helps hundreds of children and teenagers every year — children who, without your help, would be facing a very miserable festive season.

We only launched the appeal last week and already have cheques from Mrs Myerscough and Mr and Mrs Roberts — who remembered being given gifts by local boy scouts, delivered on a handcart, in the 1930s. These will help Bolton Lions buy gifts for the needy children and are much appreciated.

Mrs Peacock, Mrs Grimshaw and G Leather have also kindly donated to our appeal.

A man came into our front office at Churchgate and handed over three carrier bags of toys he had bought in Bolton town centre.

Various companies have donated gifts, including Disney, and a cheque for £100 from Bolton-based bakers Warburtons has been gratefully received.

Lion John Crompton said: "We are very grateful to The Bolton News readers for helping to kick-start our campaign and would be very grateful for more toys, gifts and money.

"Everything that is donated will be very much appreciated by the families we help."

Lions are busy preparing sacks to deliver to needy families and all presents and gifts donated will help to fill those sacks.

Toys can be handed in at various venues in the Bolton area, including The Bolton News offices, and Lions will collect from people who are unable to hand them in.

We hope to make this an extra special year. The credit crunch is affecting everyone and we know how hard it will be for people to find the extra cash but think how hard it will be for struggling families this year who, without you, would not be able to provide presents for their children.

You can make a child smile this year and what better way could there be to celebrate the festive season than by helping others?

Daniel is 16-year-old and he knows his mum cannot afford to buy him anything this year. She can barely afford to pay the bills.

Then there is Tilly. She is seven-years-old and loves anything connected to High School Musical but she knows better than to write a list for Santa.

She has done that every year but he always forgets her — this year Bolton Lions will ensure he doesn't forget Tilly or her 10-year-old brother Mark.