GENEROUS pupils from schools across Worcestershire have been busy collecting shoeboxes filled with Christmas gifts for children who are less fortunate than themselves.

Schools around the county are taking part in the Samaritans’ Operation Christmas Child. People are encouraged to fill a shoebox with gifts for either a girl or a boy, which are then collected and sent to children who would not otherwise get a present this Christmas.

At Rushwick Primary School, near Worcester, pupils have collected 83 shoeboxes for the appeal.

Reception class teacher Jennie Ballinger said: “It was a fantastic effort considering we only have 130 pupils.”

Pupils at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Droitwich, collected 112 shoeboxes for the appeal, and pupils at Pershore High School collected more than 100.

Headteacher Clive Corbett said: “It has been a fantastic effort so far that is being overseen by the students who organise the charity and community work, including Chloe Bitcon, who was unfortunately away when the photo was taken, but deserves a mention.”