SCHOOLS and churches in West Somerset "excelled themselves" for this year's Operation Christmas Child.

Jean and Mike Pennington-Ridge (pictured), of Samaritan's Purse, collected 746 boxes.

Each year for the past six years, they have appealed for shoeboxes to be filled with gifts for youngsters who would otherwise have nothing.

Jean said it was hoped that the success of previous years could be bettered - and it was.

"Thanks go to local schools and churches who excelled themselves this year and of course to the many other people who filled a box and left it at the drop off points."