Ref. 28175-90The headteacher of Brimble Hill School said that cajoling Advertiser readers to donate to this year's Christmas Appeal would not be necessary.

Bob Walker, who has worked at the special school in Park North for two decades, said that Swindonians never let the children down.

"The thing that never fails to astonish me is the generosity of Swin-don people," he said.

"I know they will come up trumps they always do, and over the years the people of Swindon have been fantastic with their support for the Friends' Association and the school itself."

Brimble Hill, in Lyndhurst Crescent, is one of 11 worthy causes the Advertiser is supporting in its appeal, which aims to raise £5,000 over the Christmas period.

The school teaches 75 children aged two to 11 with severe developmental and learning difficulties, and is the only primary school of its kind in Swindon.

It has been a beneficiary of the Evening Advertiser Christmas Appeal for about 10 years.

All the money the school receives from the appeal will be spent on Christmas presents for some of the more disadvantaged children.

Last year toys were bought for 24 pupils and their families.

"We're delighted to be part of the appeal again because our children are just as excited by Christmas and everything that happens as any other child," said Mr Walker.

"They're already anticipating opening presents."

Since last year's appeal the school has acquired new balance beams and a shelter for the nursery play area.

In 2006 the school is moving to new premises built specially for disabled children on a site at Abbey Meads in north Swindon.

"It will be the first time in the history of the school we would have had a building built for purpose," said Mr Walker.

This year's appeal has got off to a good start. Nationwide, based in Pipers Way, boosted the collection coffers with a cheque of £1,000, and Sainsbury's in Stratton St Margaret donated nearly £200 worth of toys.

Other organisations set to benefit are the Walcot Family Centre, West Swindon Family Centre, The Welcome Centre, Homestart, Chalet Special School, The Koalas Opportunity Group, The Green Hut, Uplands Special School, The Otters Group and Swindon's Women's Refuge.

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:

Sainsburys in Bridgemead

Sainsburys 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.

Andy Tate