POLITICIANS in Swindon are queuing up to add their backing to our Evening Advertiser /Rotary Christmas Appeal.

Swindon Mayor Arthur Archer and South Swindon MP Julia Drown are among the names supporting our appeal.

Coun Archer said he would back our festive fundraiser "one hundred per cent".

He said: "Lottery grants that have been applied for by various groups in Swindon have been turned down because Swindon is such a prosperous town.

"That may be true, but we've got pockets where people are struggling to make ends meet.

"It is so important to give children a little bit extra over Christmas."

South Swindon MP Julia Drown was also keen to offer her support to our appeal.

She said: "I think this appeal is an excellent thing for the Evening Advertiser and Rotary Club to be doing.

"At Christmas it's important to remember the older members of our community, and it's always a joy to give the younger ones a great Christmas.

"Last year's appeal was a great success and this year we're hoping we can do even more for the people of Swindon."

Conservative and Labour councillors alike were united in backing our appeal.

Mike Bawden, leader of Swindon Borough Council's Conservatives, and his opposite number, Labour boss Sue Bates, have both registered their support.

Coun Bawden, who is a member of the Rotary Club of Swindon, said: "Last year was the first time that the Evening Advertiser and Rotary got together and it was a great success.

"This year we hope will bring even more success.

"For several years the Rotary Club and the Advertiser ran separate appeals, but it's great to see them working together.

"I applaud the partnership between the Evening Advertiser and Rotary, it can make a real difference to the community."

Labour leader Sue Bates pointed out that donating tinned goods and packages could mean the difference between an elderly person having a hot meal or going hungry.

"Many elderly people don't like to go out in the current inclement weather.

"If we can send a parcel of non perishable food it means they can stay in the warm and enjoy a hot meal.

"I don't think you can underestimate the value of appeals such as this.

"Just a single toy can make a child's Christmas."