STAFF at a Worcester opticians have organised a collection to support international relief charity, Operation Christmas Child.

The team at Specsavers on Broad Street are appealing for people to donate Christmas gifts for the charity, which will be used to fill shoeboxes that will be sent around the world to children in need.

The collection will run until this Friday, November 17, and the store is asking for individual items, such as toys, hygiene items or school supplies, or complete shoeboxes clearly marked for a boy or girl.

Completed gift-filled shoeboxes can also be dropped off at the store.

"We’ve supported Operation Christmas Child for a number of years now," store director Alan Richards said.

"It’s great to be able to give something back ahead of Christmas and we encourage the local community to support us with this cause."

To participate and find out how to pack a shoebox visit samaritans-purse.org.uk/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child.

To drop off donations, or for more information, visit the store 64 Broad Street, Worcester, call 01905 729 779 or visit specsavers.co.uk/stores/worcester.