IPSLEY Middle School pupils launched a full-scale operation when asked to help children in eastern Europe.

The youngsters are taking part in Operation Christmas Child, run by Samaritan's Purse International.

The aim is for pupils and staff to make up shoe boxes full of gifts such as small toys and toiletries.

These will be distributed to children in refugee camps, hospitals and schools across eastern Europe.

Some youngsters have enclosed letters in their boxes and in the past, several have been sent replies from the recipient children.