Ref. 28311-36CHRISTMAS APPEAL: EXCITED pupils at Uplands School are busy preparing for tonight's Christmas party - paid for by our Christmas Appeal.

This year, rather than donating presents to good causes, the appeal will pay for parties, ensuring everyone gets into the festive mood.

Mary Bishop, the headteacher of the Penhill special needs school, said she was delighted to be one of the charities to be treated by the Evening Advertiser.

She said: "For many of our youngsters it is not possible for them to get involved in mainstream ac- tivities. They do not always get the same chance to do things with their peers.

"This party will allow them to have fun, let their hair down and mix with each other."

All 65 pupils, aged 11 to 19, are being encouraged to bring their families to the party to be held between 7pm and 9pm at the school.

Last year, pupils were given chocolate selection boxes as well as CDs.

Mrs Bishop said music is something all her pupils, who have severe learning difficulties, react well to. The money will help to fund a disco.

Money left over from the party will be used to pay for a magician, who will follow after Christmas lunch on Thursday.On Friday, pupils will attend a Christmas Carol concert at St Peter's Church, to which parents are invited.

Other groups being helped are Homestart, the Chalet School, Brimble Hill special school, Walcot Family Centre, The Green Hut in Gorse Hill, the Otters Group, the Women's Refuge, Koalas, West Swindon Family Centre and The Welcome Centre.

How to donate to the appeal.

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.

Kevin Shoesmith