MILITARY families in Warminster have once again backed the annual Salvation Army Toy Appeal, which is supported by the Wiltshire Times.

On Friday a truck from the Warminster garrison arrived in Trowbridge loaded with toys for children of all ages, donated by the soldiers and their families.

"It just gets bigger year after year," said Garrison HQ CO Lt Col Paul Brazier. "I think it is because this is a family garrison, people know the toys are going to disadvantaged children right here in Wiltshire and it touches a chord with them.

"We just co-ordinate it, we never have to solicit donations, we just say the appeal is open, here's the drop-off point and the toys come pouring in."

As his soldiers unloaded hundreds of brand new toys, which will be passed on to parents of Wiltshire children so they can wrap them and put them under their Christmas trees this December, Salvation Army appeal organisers said they were grateful for the success of the Appeal so far this year.

Donation points in shops and supermarkets have been collecting trolley loads of toys, and next week the toys will be collected, and sent off, through social services, to the children who, without people's generosity, could well be facing Christmas Day without a present to open.

caption for pix (these will be emailed to Amy to add to the story)

From left, L/Cpl Mike Koranteng, Lt Col Paul Brazier, Sgt John Baker and Michala Lancefield of the Salvation Army.