THE Altrincham Rotary Club' annual toy appeal was a runaway success - and it wants to thank everyone who backed its efforts.

The support of Trafford residents meant the club hit its target of collecting 2,000 toys to distribute to less well-off families in the borough at Christmas time.

Many tins of food were also contributed which will be distributed over the year.

Lots of stores and groups in Altrincham and Timperley were involved including Boots, Marks and Spencer, Rackhams House of Fraser, Randalls Jewellers, Wilkos, Art with a Heart, the Salvation Army, Tesco, Altrincham Grammar School for Girls and, in Timperley, Sausolitos, Bocadillos and Luxistore.

In Hale the Railway Pub, Hale Prep school, and, in Sale, Ashbrooks Furniture store, all helped to collect the items.

Ken Garrity, from Altrincham Rotary Club, said: "This was the best year yet for collections thanks to the generous people in the area.

"Our targets were met and even exceeded."

Rachel Steward, from the Salvation Army HQ in Sale said: "Thanks to the Altrincham Rotary Club we can now help these less well off families and we thank them for all their hard work."

In addition to this, a collection at Tesco Altrincham on December 16 and 17 raised £1500 for Trafford causes.