TODAY The Bolton News calls on readers and local businesses to join forces to raise £30,000 for the town’s annual Christmas toy appeal.

Christmas will be different this year ­because of the coronavirus pandemic - but the major organisations in the town have now come together to ensure The Bolton Lions’ annual toy appeal DOES go ahead.

Due to volunteers isolating and the logistics of a toy collection amid a global pandemic, it seemed at one stage that the venture might not go ahead.

But thanks to the kindness of local business people from Bolton Action Group including Greenhalgh’s, Carrs Pasties, Lisa Forshaw PR, the University of Bolton, Bolton Wanderers’ Community Trust and Bolton FM ­- plus organisations including Urban Outreach, the Bolton Family and The Bolton News ­- Christmas has been saved.

Editor Steve Thompson said: “As a Boltonian, I know just what the Lions’ appeal means to families in the town each year.

“This has been a particularly tough year for everyone and we all know that money is tight for many.

"But it would be wonderful if people felt they could share the true spirit of Christmas with the town’s poorest children.

“So, we are calling on local businesses, organisations and individuals to join us in helping raise this money in any way they possibly can. Together, we can do this.

“This might be a fundraising event by staff, a sponsored run or bike ride or a donation from one family to another more in need this year.”

The appeal now urgently needs the support of local people to help raise enough money to buy gifts for up to 1,800 children across the borough.

Already, Bolton Guild of Help has donated £3,000 to start the fund and offers of help have come from local toy stores Smyth’s, The Entertainer and Sinco Creations, as well as The Body Shop and Rose & Caramel.

Bolton Lions have been helping local families at Christmas for nearly 40 years.

President Ray Stafford said: “We just need as many people as possible to get behind this appeal this year and donate money rather than toys.

“We know what it means to many local families. We’ve had people come back to help the appeal years after we have been able to help them and they tell us that we gave their family a Christmas when there wasn’t going to be one,” Mr Stafford added.

All the money ­— and any new toys ­— will help the families which need it most. Find out how you can help below.