The gifts were collected at Freemasons’ Hall in Knole Road after being donated by members to the ‘Knole wheelbarrow for toys appeal’.

The Salvation Army has a network of people and charities it works with who will be able to find good homes for the toys. Tony Drake and Alan Davies from Knole Lodge helped co-ordinate the effort that saw thousands of toys collected.

Alan said: “Our members are so generous donating toys, but we lack the contacts to get them distributed. The Salvation Army, however, know the right people and are able to use their network to do the job of Santa and see that the children who would otherwise miss out get something this Christmas.”

 Major David Alton from Boscombe Salvation Army Church and Community Centre, said: “Working every day in the community we know families who are struggling. To be able to help get presents to the children at this very special time of year when we celebrate the birth of Christ is important to us. There are lots of charities and groups like the Masons who do such good work and it is wonderful to help each other in this way.”

 Chris Lockwood, chairman of the local Freemasons, said: “Our members are always so generous and this Christmas is no exception. And we’re extremely grateful to the Salvation Army for distributing all the presents.”