KIND-hearted Worcester folk have been filling shoe boxes with gifts for poor children.

Members of the Bromwich Road Mission Free Church in St John’s, Worcester, stuffed 167 boxes with goods as part of the Samaritan’s Purse appeal Operation Christmas Child.

The boxes will now be sent to children all over the world in time for Christmas.

Churchgoer Miriam Griffiths, aged 13, of Malvern Road, Powick, said: “I think it’s important that people in Worcester take part because it goes to unfortunate children who live in poor countries.

"In these boxes are some essentials that children need to be able to go school.

“For most of these children it's the first present they have received.

"It puts a smile on someone’s face because they know that other people care.”

For more information about the appeal log on to operationchristmaschild.org.uk