THANKS TO the generosity of local people, 2006 was a successful year for the Angus Toy Appeal, providing 519 of the most disadvantaged children in the region with toys at Christmas.

The appeal is administered by a small committee of volunteers, and families are referred to the appeal by a variety of agencies who work with them throughout the year, including social workers, health visitors and other statuary and voluntary support workers.

Without the appeal, many of these families would be unable to provide gifts for their children without incurring large debts at a particularly stressful time of year.

All the children referred receive a new gift, with many also receiving good quality second hand toys as extras.

In 2006 the appeal was supported by generous donations from Angus Council, Children in Need, Angus Foster Carers, Glaxo Montrose, Montrose British Legion, Royal Artillery, and Crazy Hazy & Sidekickers.

Without their generous support many children would have gone without at Christmas.

Fund-raising for Christmas 2007 has already begun, and anyone who would like to make a donation or help in any way should contact Fay Forge on 01241 873196.