KIND-hearted youngsters in the Cotswolds have been busy filling shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child for children in povertystricken countries.

Longborough Primary School has donated 24 shoeboxes to the appeal after children were first shown a film by Reverend Stephen Wookey about youngsters who had received them in the past.

Charity Samaritan’s Purse has been running the appeal since 1990 and has given shoe boxes filled with gifts to millions of children in more than 130 countries.

Headteacher Claire Fisher said: “I think they really relate to the idea that it’s for other children.

“We had lots of lovely stories of parents coming in saying their children wanting to donate something special to them.”

Meanwhile, children at Winchcombe Farm Day Nursery, in Upper Tysoe, near Shipston, have also filled shoeboxes full of toys, sweets and toiletries for the appeal.

Rachel Giorgio, the nursery’s manager, said: “For many children this will be the only gift they receive on Christmas Day.

“It’s a great way for us to help needy children and to make their Christmas extra special.”