Toys have been flooding in to the Thurrock Toy Appeal collection points across the borough.

The appeal -- run by Thurrock Council together with This Is Essex partners Echo Newspapers -- collects toys to hand out to those children less fortunate than most.

Running since 1997, last year's appeal continued to bring in gifts well beyond Christmas time.

A total of £1,144.09 was also donated to the appeal after its official close and the money is being used this year to buy gifts.

Mayor of Thurrock, Carl Morris, is delighted at the success of the 1999 appeal. "The toy appeal has become bigger and better each year," he said.

"It is very encouraging to know people in Thurrock can spare a thought for those less fortunate than themselves in the community and really pull together in the true spirit of Christmas."

Collection points are open to receive new or quality second-hand toys at the Civic Offices in Grays, the Thurrock Gazette office at 91 Orsett Road, Grays, libraries and the council's area offices at Chadwell St Mary, Purfleet, Tilbury, Stanford-le-Hope and South Ockendon.

The appeal also welcomes donations of toys or cash from businesses. One of the latest came from Tony Le Voi Motors at West Thurrock which has been selling tickets to the Community Chest -- half of which goes to the chest and half to the seller. The company is donating its half to the appeal.

For more information, call the community action team on 01375 652321.

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