SHOEBOXES have become something of a rarity in Porlock after pupils from St Dubricius First School collected almost every spare box available to fill with gifts for a Christmas charity appeal.

The children have been busy covering the boxes with festive wrapping and packing them full of treats such as toys, stationery, sweets and toiletries.

The boxes will be sent to disadvantaged children across Eastern Europe, Central Asia and Africa by the international charity Samaritan's Purse through its annual Operation Christmas Child appeal.

The Porlock collection was led by Carol Murray, chairman of the Friends of St Dubricius (FROSTS).

She said: "Despite the current economic downturn, families in Porlock have donated so generously again this year.

"Everyone involved has told me how much they enjoyed choosing items to fill their shoeboxes and how wonderful it is to send children, of whatever background or religion, a strong message that they are not forgotten at Christmas."

St Dubricius headteacher Chris Blazey said he was pleased pupils had been able to show their support for the appeal.

"This initiative has struck a chord with everyone and our teachers in classes two and three made up several boxes in class as part of a special lesson," he said.