People from all sections of the community have rallied round to give the appeal a Christmas boost.

Volunteers raised £360 by wrapping books at the Borders bookstore at the Orbital Retail Park.

St Joseph's Comprehensive School raised £330 by holding a raffle, cake sale and guess the name of the bear competition. Pupils also donated cash to Macmillan instead of buying Christmas cards. The school has chosen the appeal as its annual charity.

A sportsmen's dinner organised by Liden-based M&M Promotions raised £400.

Swindon-based automotive coatings firm NPAE donated £500 instead of buying corporate gifts.

Whitmarsh Preece Lockhart raised £200 by holding a raffle at a Christmas lunch for Swindon estate agents.

The BT boys have now sold nearly 150 copies of their calendar, raising more than £1,000.

An individual donation of £1,000 was made in memoriam.