Salisbury Newspapers publisher Bill Browne hands over a few of the many presents, donated to the Journal Christmas Appeal, to representatives of local organisations at the Journal offices in Rollestone Street. DA4597 WE say it every year, but we never tire of it - Journal readers are simply amazing!

Once again, their response to our Christmas Appeal has been overwhelming and has allowed us to hand over a record number of gifts for the most needy people in our community.

From day one of the appeal, readers have opened their hearts - and purses and wallets - to help ensure that no lonely person or disadvantaged child locally goes without a present this Christmas.

Brightly wrapped gifts for babies, young children, homeless teenagers and lonely pensioners have rolled in as never before.

Even at the weekend, after the appeal had officially closed, we had people banging on our office windows asking to bring in last-moment donations. And as a result of all this festive generosity, we were able on Monday to present an absolute mountain of goodies to social services and other local charities - in good time for all your presents to reach those they are intended for.

The presentation was made in our front office by Journal publisher Bill Browne, who said: "I am just dumbfounded by the generosity of readers.

"I experienced it for the first time last year and this Christmas they have excelled themselves and given even more.

"We are extremely grateful to them."

The gifts were handed over to Sue Greig and Jackie Taylor (Salisbury Trust for the Homeless), Pauline Lewis and Sue Gumbleton (Alabar Christian Care Centres), Irene Gilbert (Age Concern), Neil Adlam (Children's Social Services), Sue Clissold (Haven Court), Maria Maher (Dunraven House), Kafue Lay (Adult Social Services), Suzanne Lorford (Christian Council for Wilton) and Sonia Hutchinson (Connexions).