THE Leominster community dug deep to help a business in the town collect 26 shoeboxes full of presents for the Operation Christmas Child appeal.

Members of staff from Specsavers on West Street encouraged local residents to take part in the campaign, which is run by international charity Samaritan’s Purse.

People donated gifts to help spread goodwill during the festive season to underprivileged children around the world.

Store director Eira Morris said: "For many of us, Christmas is a time to give and receive gifts with our loved ones, but there are so many children across the world who won’t be waking up to presents under a tree this festive season.

"Operation Christmas Child is a great cause and we’re delighted to have been able to support the campaign once again this year. We’d like to say a big thank you to everyone that donated a shoebox."

People were asked to fill a shoebox and mark whether it was intended for a boy or girl, as well as their age category – two to four years old, five to nine or 10 to 14.

Boxes were filled with a range of gifts including toys, school supplies and other items such as toothpaste, soap and hairbrushes.