CHILDREN, parents and staff at Dunster First School have been busy preparing shoeboxes to send to less fortunate youngsters around the world this Christmas.

More than 60 boxes full of toys, games, toiletries and stationery, as well as letters and cards from the children and adults who put them together, have been prepared ready for collection as part of the Operation Christmas Child appeal.

The project, overseen by year one teacher Shelley Payne and organised in Monstas After School Club sessions, has also been supported by members of the community and Tesco and Morrisons in Minehead.

After school club leader Esther Rushforth said: “Thank you to everyone who has helped with our shoebox appeal again this year. We have been delighted with the number of shoeboxes we have been able to collect.

“The children and adults who have helped have loved the excitement of preparing Christmas presents for children in other parts of the world.”

For more information about the appeal, visit www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk