BROMSGROVE students swapped stockings for shoeboxes to send seasonal goodies to youngsters in Eastern Europe.

Kind-hearted children at Catshill Middle School filled shoeboxes with stationery, sweets and soft toys as part of the Samaritan's Purse Appeal.

More than 180 gifts were sent overseas from the Meadow Road school, which has participated in the appeal for five years.

Project co-ordinator at the school Janet Arowsmith said: "The children got really excited about getting involved in the appeal and it has been a great success."

Pupils at St Peter's First School, Rock Hill, Bromsgrove, also participated in the international appeal, filling more than 150 shoeboxes with a selection of Yuletide presents.

Some students even included cards and letters in their parcels to bring Christmas cheer to needy children.

Chairwoman for St Peter's Friends Association, Pauline Griffin-Parry, said: "We had a great response to the appeal and we are very proud of the children."

Both schools have recently sent off their parcels, which will be distributed from the Samaritan's Purse Appeal main sorting office in time for Christmas.