Rhiannon Ball, the face of the Evening Advertiser Christmas Appeal, cannot wait to see what Father Christmas brings.

Rhiannon, three, has asked for things she can use when she starts nursery school in the New Year.

Her mother, Lucy, 23, of Lennox Drive, said: "She wants a pack folder for school and is getting very excited as Christmas Day gets closer."

Rhiannon had just turned two when she was first photographed by the Evening Advertiser at the Walcot Family Centre. The centre is one of 11 local charities to benefit from our appeal, which aims to raise £5,000.

Rhiannon's smile was so magical, she was chosen to appear on the logo of our Christmas Appeal.

Now three, she will soon start attending Mountford Manor nursery school, in Bothwell Road, Walcot.

Miss Ball said: "She loves having her picture taken but goes shy if people recognise her from the paper in the street. Friends and neighbours think she is a little star."

Over the festive period, Rhiannon will enjoy watching cartoons on TV and playing with her dolls. She is a big fan of Bob the Builder and Winnie the Pooh.

Rhiannon has two sisters, Lauren, six, and eight-month-old Megan.

Miss Ball said: "Rhiannon seems to be looking forward to Christmas most. But nearer the big day, we will all be excited."

The other charities to benefit 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 are around the Swindon borough for people to donate.

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 are also in the following locations:

Sainsbury's in Bridgemead and 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