THE community of Salisbury has come together to support an appeal to ensure vulnerable children don't miss out this Christmas.

The Great Big Salisbury Christmas Toy Appeal was created by Louise McConnell, of ReQuire Consultancy in Salisbury, who has been overwhelmed by the "incredible" support it has received not just from residents but also the business community.

"It is just brilliant, we are so so delighted," said Louise.

"It's been a very short time scale. The local community have just taken it into their hearts massively."

The appeal was started towards the end of November and has seen more than 700 toys donated to more than 200 children. A Crowdfunding page raised more than £7,000 - surpassing the £500 target - within three weeks.

Smyths Toy Store opened its Salisbury store early for a special "super market sweep" style event where money raised could be spent on toys. The store also donated £400 worth of toys to bolster the appeal.

Over the last week Louise has been delivering sacks and stockings of Christmas gifts for "vulnerable children who would have had absolutely nothing this year".

Referrals came in from social services, Wiltshire Council, various children groups, and Debt Crisis.

Louise says she never imagined the appeal would have been as successful and initially thought she would only be able to help a handful of children this Christmas.

She said: "I am blown away, I really genuinely thought little old me would never be able to do something quite as big as this in such a short time scale. When I started it I thought I will coerce my friends into giving me a couple of quid and I might be able to help a small handful of children and raise a couple of hundred pound."

"I have cried quite a lot at the generosity," adds Louise. "For people to back me and support me like this and trust me is really quite special, and for the public to trust me.

"It just shows when people coming together what they can achieve."

Louise says she has "always done something at Christmas" to help people for example delivering meals to elderly residents. "Christmas has always been something I have been very mindful of those that are not as lucky as me."

As talk turned to Christmas, she thought of the pressure on parents particular this year and wanted to find away to help ease this for and came up with the gift appeal.

"It was really important to me to empower parents.

"I wanted to give the toys to parents so they can have the joy of wrapping them and give them to their children."

1st Self Access Storage gave three units to support the appeal and another company provided a van.

After seeing a plea for help from Little Folly Children's Centre Louise also bought their Amazon Wish List for them. They also collected some presents as well.

Speaking to everyone who has supported the appeal, Louise said: "Thank you doesn't seem enough really."

She added: "People need to understand what this has done - their £10 and £20s, £50 and £1,000s really is going to make a massive, massive difference to children this year and parents."

Louise is planning to run the gift appeal next year but admits she will be "starting a lot earlier".

Louise has appeared on This Morning ITV and was interviewed live on BBC 5Live about the initiative.