HARRY is nine and he loves his namesake Harry Potter. But his Christmas will not be magical.

The little boy from Farnworth has read two of the books -- lent to him by a friend. He accepts that he cannot have books like this of his own, and that he certainly cannot have any of the expensive Harry Potter toys and games.

Harry's mum would love to be able to buy something special for him to open on Christmas morning. But all her money is taken up with ensuring that Harry and his little sister, Amy, have decent food and clothing.

So she sent a letter to the Bolton Evening News/Bolton Lions' Caring Christmas appeal asking for help.

"I hate asking for charity," she writes. "I've given to your appeal in the past, but now I need help. It's not for me, but Harry and Amy could just do with a few presents to give them a decent Christmas.

"I know you will help if you can."

The request is typical of many hundreds received -- privately or through local charitable organisations -- for this annual campaign.

And every year the BEN and the Bolton Lions get together to ensure that hundreds of local needy children who would not otherwise get Christmas gifts WILL have something to smile about on December 25.