While most children were concerning themselves with what they would get for Christmas, one partially-sighted toddler was more interested in giving.

Three-year-old Jacob Towner handed over an ice cream carton full of coins to help The Argus Appeal.

He has been hoarding the coppers throughout the past 12 months with his grandmother, Margaret Towner.

Jacob, from Portslade, came to the main offices of The Argus in Hollingbury to present us with the savings earlier this week while many people were busy hunting down last-minute Christmas gifts. The cash is now being counted and will go into the appeal coffers to help raise money for disadvantaged groups and individuals across Sussex.

Mrs Towner, of Mayfield Avenue, Peacehaven, said: "The Argus Appeal is such a good cause - it gives money to people that need it.

"I thought that we don't usually use all our coins and it would be a good thing to donate them. Every little helps.

"Jacob was very excited about coming to The Argus offices and handing the money over, although we didn't count how much was in the carton."

Mrs Towner made a similar contribution to The Argus Appeal last year.

Jacob was born with only partial sight but, despite his disability, his gran described him as a boy always keen to make the most of life.

She said: "He's a bubbly little devil, full of beans. He may not fully understand Christmas yet but he knows how to enjoy himself."

Appeal co-ordinator Elsa Gillio said: "It was very touching to hear that Jacob and his grandmother wanted to help the appeal.

"It is this kind of public spirit which helps us help the community."

The appeal has raised a record-breaking £125,000 this year. That smashed last year's total of £85,000, which was itself a record sum.

Among the beneficiaries was six-year-old cerebral palsy sufferer Dean Brady, who has been promised a new custom-built wheelchair worth almost £4,000.

In recent weeks, 1,200 gifts have been sent to needy people across Sussex to help make their festive season even more special.

The largest share of the proceeds went on four charity minibuses.

Three were gratefully received by Hove YMCA, the Hove Society for the Disabled and the Grace Eyre Foundation. The fourth, the Gingerbread Bus, is available to all registered charities in the area through Budget Rentacar on 01273 572000.

Anyone wanting to make donations to the appeal should contact Elsa on 01273 544544.