YOU'VE done it! More than 4,500 children in Southampton will receive a special gift this year thanks to scores of readers, businesses and schools that supported the Daily Echo-backed Christmas Toy Appeal.

Now bosses at Southampton Voluntary Services have issued a big thank you to everybody who made this year's silver jubilee appeal one of the best yet.

The appeal, launched at the beginning of December, aimed to put a smile on the face of thousands of children this Christ-mas, including young carers, sick or disabled youngsters and children from poor families.

More than 20 agencies, including social services and community groups, helped to hand out the stash of presents to thousands of tots and teens.

Dean Latona, from the Homeless Healthcare Team, said: "As a health visitor who works for the team, I have used the toy appeal for a number of years and have seen many vulnerable families benefit greatly.

"The children's presents have been of a high quality and it has been wonderful to help the children in this way. It's a tremendous help at this time of year."

Appeal organiser Jacqui Honeywell said: "These agencies tell us what a difference these gifts make to the families they work with, and on behalf of the families and children that we work with, we would like to extend their thanks.

"More than 4,500 toys were donated by companies, businesses, schools and members of the public, making this year's silver appeal a bumper one.

"We would like to wish you all a very happy Christmas and look forward to the 2005 Christmas Toy Appeal!"