Are you in the swim yet to help appeal?

The Otters Group is hoping to have a party in January and will use money from our appeal to make it extra special.

Jean Clifford runs the group, based in Thamesdown Hydrotherapy Pool, which gives disabled children the chance to swim.

She said: "We have postponed our party until January, so more children can join in the fun. They are really looking forward to it."

Last year the group received £250 from our appeal and celebrated with a pool party followed by a meal at McDonald's.

This year Mrs Clifford wants to organise a trip to the pantomime at the Wyvern Theatre.

She said: "We will be going out for a meal again and like the idea of watching Goldilocks and the Three Bears. We are so grateful for the support. Our Christmas parties have become quite a highlight on the social calendar."

The group, which meets fortnightly, has now broken up for Christmas and will next meet on January 10.

The Otters Group is one of 11 local charities to benefit from our appeal. The other charities are: the West Swindon Family Centre, the Welcome Centre, Homestart, Walcot Family Centre, Chalet Special School, Koalas Opportunity Group, Green Hut, Uplands Special School, Brimble Hill Special School and Swindon Women's Refuge.

The appeal aims to raise £5,000. Nationwide Building Society, based in Pipers Way, kicked off the fundraising with a cheque for £1,000.

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 the following 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.