Generous 'secret Santa' pays off entire lay-by bill at Aussie toy store

An anonymous donor has spread the Christmas spirit in a town south of Perth after they paid off outstanding bills at a local toy store.

The stranger reportedly cleared about $12,500 in lay-by bills at Toyworld in Bunbury earlier this month, which left one hardworking single dad in tears.

Stephen Noye owed a remaining $275 on his order, which he had been slowly paying off after the business he worked for went under.

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He said he was "so surprised" and "very thankful" when he was told the entire bill had been taken care of after working casual jobs to make ends meet.

"I couldn't wrap my head around it at first, I thought Toyworld was telling me I had to pick my son's toys up that day and I had to pay it all there and then," he wrote on social media.

"But then they said Secret Santa paid for it, well that's when a 6'7" man cried in a toy store because of your kindness.

"Thanks for helping a single dad out, it means a lot to me, because you did something for my son, who is going to be a very happy three-year-old."

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Lianna Cupples was another lucky parent who "cried happy tears" when she realised the bill had been paid.

"I have four young ones all with (autism spectrum disorder) and trying to push through can be very hard at times and this really made a big difference for me this year," she wrote on social media.

"My son will be over the moon on Christmas morning!

"So incredibly thankful."

Bunbury Toyworld also took to social media to thank the "secret Santa" for their generosity this holiday season.

"It has been truly amazing being able to share this news with our customers and see their joy in receiving the news upon collecting their lay-bys," the toy store wrote.

"What a wonderful Christmas gesture to share some joy among the Bunbury community!"