Two thousand thank-yous to the most generous family of readers in the UK! - that's what the Bristol Evening Post had to say to its readers.

For they have once again brought joy and happiness into the lives of children facing a bleak and miserable festive season by supporting the second Bristol Evening Post Christmas Toy Appeal.

Delighted organisers say more than 2,000 toys have flooded into our offices in the past fortnight - double the amount collected 12 months ago. Richard Jones, resources manager of the children's division of Bristol social services and health, said: "Thank you so much.

"We're completely overwhelmed by the kindness of readers."The Evening Post teamed up with local Rotary, Lions, Round Table and Soroptomist clubs and social services to complement the work of the Lord Mayor's Christmas Appeal for Children, which helps disadvantaged children."

Kind-hearted readers have arrived each day at our Temple Way offices with new presents and toys in a nearly-new condition. They were collected by the service clubs and taken for storage and distribution, via Father Christmas, by social services teams working with needy families.

Head teachers were invited to identify children who would benefit and agencies from the neighbouring authorities in South Gloucestershire, North Somerset and the Bath area were also urged to spread a little happiness.

One of the organisers, Stan Szecowka, the Evening Post's Deputy Editor, said: "Together we have taken the opportunity to put a smile on the faces of young people who, through no fault of their own, were facing a difficult Christmas.

"Child psychologists believe toys play an essential part in development and are particularly helpful at times of distress, such as when parents are splitting up."

Liz Newcomb, who is chair of the Lord Mayor's Christmas Appeal for children, which provides needy families with clothes and toy vouchers, is a member of the Soroptimist International of Bristol group.She said: "I would like to add my thanks to Evening Post readers for showing their support by offering toys and raising the profile of our own annual appeal."

Big-hearted Bruce Simmonds, of the Rotary Club of Clifton, has acted as Santa's little helper. For chartered accountant Bruce, 60, who has offices in Downend and Clifton, has donated the use of a company van to help transport donated goodies from our offices to a distribution centre, next to the council offices, on the way to Lapland and says his team of reindeers is exhausted.