YOUNG church-goers have been putting together gift-filled shoeboxes for needy families abroad.

Durham Cathedral’s Sunday School and Youth Group has spent the last few months collecting items to brighten the Christmas of people less fortunate than themselves.

The shoeboxes contain practical gifts including tools, sewing kits, shampoo, hats, gloves and educational supplies.

One of the group leaders, Esther Kisby, said: “Our involvement with this Link to Hope shoebox appeal arose after a series of sessions with our young people thinking about social justice, including what it’s like to live in poverty.

“This project has empowered our children and young people to feel that they can really make a difference to the lives of others.

“The most important part of this project is about giving what we have and sharing a message of love, in the hope that these shoeboxes will bring a smile to those who open them, so toys and games, teddies and sweets are also included.”

Many families will receive with their shoebox one of the crocheted teddies hand-crafted by congregation member Liz Hewitt.

Some of the youth group members hope to learn how to make them over the next few months to build up a good supply for next year’s boxes.

The boxes will be taken by charity Link To Hope to Romania, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Moldova and Albania.

The 80 boxes were collected by volunteer driver Jim Thompson, from Stanley, on Saturday morning at 11am.

He said: “Some live in appalling conditions, often living in just one or two rooms, and life for them is a real struggle to survive.”

The Cathedral and Link to Hope would also like to thank Simon Berry Optometrist of Gilesgate, Durham for donating reading glasses for the Elderly Shoebox Appeal.