WEAR Valley Christian Centre is appealing for shoeboxes filled with gifts to help make Christmas enjoyable for children in countries in the developing world.

Since 1990, more than 47 million children have received boxes from the UK as part of Operation Christmas Child, run by the Samaritans Purse.

Shoeboxes will be collected at a service called Love in a Box, to be held at the Wear Valley Christian Centre, at 6pm on Saturday, October 28.

A wall will be made out of the shoeboxes before they are shipped to different countries.

Yvonne Woods, youth and children's leader at the centre, said: "The shoeboxes can include things such as toys, sweets, jewellery, educational items and hygiene products.

"We hope as many people as possible can get involved in this and we are aiming for a target of at least 200 boxes.

"Shoeboxes need to be medium-sized and should not contain clothes, dangerous items, liquids or medicine.

"All it costs you is £2 per box which pays for the shipping."

Shoeboxes can be left at the centre, behind Saks hair salon in Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland, or a drop-off time can be arranged by contacting Ms Woods on 07824-861685.

For information about Operation Christmas Child visit www.samaritanspurse.uk.com