Ref. 28290-62NEEDY children's Christmas parties will go with a real bang, thanks to the Evening Advertiser's Christmas Appeal.

In previous years the appeal has donated presents to children's charities across Swindon.

This year however, the plan is to spread Christmas cheer by throwing parties, funded by donations to the appeal.

One of the first parties was the Welcome Centre's at Oak tree family centre in Walcot on Saturday.

Lyn Thompson, manager of the Welcome Centre, said: "We had about 40 children, and they had a wonderful time.

"Father Christmas gave out the selection boxes, which made their little faces light up with delight."

Other charities have welcomes the news that the money will go to Christmas parties.

The Otters Group in Jefferies Avenue, Gorse Hill is one of nine charities, which will get between £250 and £350 to treat their youngsters.

Jean Clifford, who helps run the hydrotherapy pool, said: "It's great that we have been chosen as one of the charities to benefit again this year.

"The children have said that they would like to go for a meal. We think we'll try the Toby Inn in Abbey Meads."

The children plan to delay the outing however, until the New Year when one of their friends, who is currently recovering from a stroke, is well enough to attend.

Meanwhile Swindon Women's Refuge is planning a traditional do with lots of trifle and jelly.

Jenni Manners, manager of the refuge, which has been open since 1975, said she is delighted with the donation.

"The donation is fantastic. One of our roles is to put fun back into children's lives this cash will help us do that."

Stephanie Hathaway of Koalas, based in Victoria Hospital, Okus Road couldn't agree more. The charity, which helps children with disabilities through play, will spread the cash across four days. She said: "Rather than blow the cash on one big party we will hold several small parties. Father Christmas will be making quite a few visits."

Other groups being helped are Homestart, the Chalet School, Brimble Hill special school, Walcot Family Centre, West Swindon Family Centre, The Green Hut in Gorse Hill, and Uplands special school.

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.