CHILDREN and families in eastern Europe are to benefit from the actions of kind-hearted school pupils after putting together shoeboxes packed with gifts to help people who are struggling.

St Margaret's Preparatory School, in Gosfield, teamed up with members of Halstead Rotary Club to provide shoeboxes containing toys, toiletries, educational items and household goods. 

Each shoebox is designed to bring hope and happiness to people living in areas of poverty. 

For many, it will be the first present that they have ever received, and it lets them know that somebody somewhere cares. 

The boxes will be distributed to orphanages, hospitals, disabled children and families in need.  

Rotary president Keith Brownlie went along to collect the filled boxes and thanked pupils, parents and staff. 

Headteacher Carolyn Moss said: "The Rotary Club’s Christmas box appeal is such a worthy cause and we are proud to be supporting them once again this year.

“By working together as a whole community of pupils, parents and staff, we are delighted to help make a difference this Christmas to those facing a bleak festive period.”