IT all started over 20 years ago with a small number of toys and a group of kindly Bolton people determined to give poor children a better Christmas.

Now, the Bolton Evening News/Bolton Lions' Caring Christmas campaign collects thousands of toys to distribute to local youngsters via every local charitable group.

And raises several thousands of pounds to boost the appeal in the process.

When the appeal first began, the Bolton Lions were not sure just how many children they could help. They didn't know just how generous the Bolton public would be.

But, as Lion Jim Wells -- a member of the voluntary service organisation for over 16 years and an early helper on the appeal -- states people took it to their hearts and continued to support it each year.

There have always been helpful "partners" in this valuable work -- the Anglia Building Society was an early friend, and Crompton Place (formerly Bolton Arndale centre) another constant source of support.

But, right across the Bolton borough, businesses large and small have pledged their help, collecting toys and gifts offered by a caring public, getting cash together and buying new gifts.

There have been some wonderful characters helping over the years: the Lostock man who created wonderful dolls houses, the clever craftsman on Chorley Old Road who made wooden toys, and the elderly Breightmet sisters who always sent money to buy items for children they would never meet.

Hundreds and hundreds of children who had little to look forward to at this festive time had gifts of their own on Christmas morning.

And many thousands of parents still have reason today to be grateful to an appeal which brings together gifts from a caring public directly to those who urgently need them -- thanks to the true spirit of Christmas.