EVENING Press readers have been rallying round to bring a dose of Christmas cheer to hit-and-run victim Katie Scales.

Since we launched our appeal to raise £1,000 to buy the 11-year-old All Saints' School pupil a computer, cheques and cash donations totalling £105 have been sent in.

York firm Design Computers has already offered to supply a top-of-the-range machine and meet £250 of the cost if readers can raise the remainder for the computer, which will allow Katie to stay in email contact with her friends as she recovers.

Our big-hearted readers have also sent in Christmas cards to wish Katie a speedy recovery and to offer words of support to her family.

Pamela Ross, of Cawood, near Selby, said in her letter: "I was shocked when I heard about the horrific accident to Katie, especially since my three older children attended All Saints.

"I do hope you manage to raise the funds to buy Katie a computer. I know from my own teenage daughter that she gets so much pleasure from chatting to her friends online."

PC Richard Gatecliffe, one of the officers investigating the incident, said Katie's family would be "very pleased" with the response so far.

He said the hunt was continuing for the driver of the black Fiat Punto who left Katie badly injured after knocking her down on a pelican crossing in Blossom Street on December 4.

All donations need to be with the Evening Press by Monday at the latest. Readers are reminded not to be caught out by the Christmas post.

Cheques should be made payable to Katie Scales Appeal and sent as soon as possible to Katie Scales Appeal, c/o Mike Laycock, Evening Press, 76/86 Walmgate, York, YO1 9YN. Alternatively, they can be handed to our reception in Walmgate, York.

Updated: 12:35 Thursday, December 19, 2002