A support centre for disabled children in Accrington got an early Christmas present when an Observer appeal to raise £20,000 smashed its target.

Our fantastic readers and supporters of Holly House have donated generously and held a series of fundraising events since we launched the campaign in 2012.

Funds raised will help buy specialist computer equipment to help youngsters with learning and development.

Dr Sheila Reilly, paediatrician at Holly House, said: “Reaching our target today is fantastic news, a well-deserved Christmas present for everyone involved.

“We’d like to thank all our supporters for their hard work fundraising as the children here will now be able to benefit from the equipment.”

The campaign total now stands at £20,180.

Holly House, which is based at the Acorn Health Centre in Accrington, helps children with disabilities and special needs.

Staff specialise in speech and language therapy, as well as physiotherapy and occupational therapy.

The centre also offers respite sessions for children up to three years old,

The event that gave the campaign the final push was a men versus women’s football match raising £539.80 organised by school pupil Kylie Alexandra, aged 13.

Various fundraising has been held over the last two years to help reach our funding target.

Band Chief Brody released a single called Star on the iTunes chart to raise cash for the appeal.

The 2012 Swimathon event organised by the Observer and Accrington Rotary Club raised over £4,000.

Accrington Stanley Football Club also joined in to help with the fundraising effort by donating cash from tickets sales for their match against AFC Wimbledon last year.

MP for Hyndburn Graham Jones has congratulated everyone who helped to raise the money.

He said: “It’s the season of goodwill and it just shows the spirit of people,

“I thank its absolutely marvellous and a lot of hard work has gone into the campaign.”

Observer editor Gareth Tidman said: “I would like to thanks all the readers who have supported the appeal.

“Holly house is a fantastic facility.”