More than 40 members of staff from Thompsons donated a range of toys, from teddy bears to trucks, instead of the office’s usual ‘secret Santa’ festivities.

Michelle Cronin, managing partner at the Thompsons Solicitors Bristol office, said: “It’s at this time of year, when we are gearing up to our own Christmas celebrations that we think about those who are less fortunate.

“As a firm we are passionate about supporting just causes and the Bristol Post’s toy appeal was something that we were all keen to contribute to. We hope that our donations will put a smile on the children’s faces when they open up their new toys this Christmas.”

Staff have also organised a Christmas jumper ‘dress down’ day at the Bristol office and will use the funds raised to buy more toys to donate to the cause.

The appeal for children’s toys was launched in conjunction with the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Appeal for Children, which raises funds for up to 1,650 families of underprivileged children in Bristol.

Families supported by the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Appeal will receive two vouchers to spend on food, and clothes or toys. The Bristol Post’s appeal enhances the campaign by collecting gifts for other children and organisations in the local area.

Michelle Cronin added: “As a firm we work with victims of injury on a daily basis, and we understand the positive effects charity donations have on individuals. We supported the appeal last year, giving up secret Santa presents for each other to give to a cause that we know makes a real difference. We are delighted to have been able to support the appeal for a second year.”