Ref. 28310-29THE Walcot Family Centre is throwing an extra special party thanks to the Evening Advertiser and a local good Samaritan.

When Ian Cooke, 42, from Hay-don Wick, read the story about Christmas decorations being stolen from the centre, in Essex Walk, he was appalled.

Determined to rectify the situation, Mr Cooke has helped transform the centre into a Christmas wonderland.

He said: "The solitary Christ-mas tree looked so forlorn, I just had to help."

Mr Cooke runs D A Cooke Wholesale, based in South Marston, which sells party supplies across the country. He has donated lots of Christmas decorations, including lights and a brand new Christmas tree.

And the festive surprise arrived just in time for the Walcot Family Centre's Christmas party yesterday.

Centre manager Lynn Turner, 34, said: "We are so thrilled and overwhelmed by such generosity."

Vicki Winstanley, 35, from Walcot, was equally pleased with the early Christmas present.

Her six children, twins Yolanda and Shashonie, one, Shai-ane, seven, Deanna, nine, Opal-Jayde, 10, and Charlie, 11, all use the centre.

She said: "As a single parent, this centre is a lifeline. We love it here and think the decorations look fantastic. It was devastating to think someone could steal the Christmas decorations. But this is the perfect happy ending."

The Walcot Family Centre is one of 11 worthy causes to benefit from the Evening Advertiser Christmas Appeal.

The other charities are the West Swindon Family Centre, The Welcome Centre, Homestart, Chalet Special School, The Koalas Opportunity Group, The Green Hut, Uplands Special School, Brimble Hill Special School, The Otters Group and Swindon Women's Refuge.

Collection boxes have now been placed around the Swindon borough, so donations can easily be made.

Contributions can also be made over the reception counter at the Evening Advertiser offices, in Victoria Road, Old Town.

What you can do

To donate money to our Christmas appeal you can drop in to any branch of Nationwide and quote Evening Advertiser Christmas Appeal Account number

0435/703528821

Collection boxes have also been placed in these locations:

Sainsbury's in Bridgemead

Sainsbury's in Stratton St Margaret.

Tesco in The Parade, Swindon

Havelock News in Havelock Street, Swindon.

Baileys News in Cheney Manor and in High Street, Wootton Bassett.

Dillons, in Newburgh Place, Highworth.

Grange Drive News, in Grange Drive, Stratton St Margaret.

Spar shop in Purton.

Rodbourne Mini Market, in Rodbourne Road, Rodbourne Cheney.