SHOE boxes filled with toys were sent on their way to Romanian orphans thanks to the generosity of South Cerney villagers.

A collection was held at All Hallows Church during which 230 boxes were donated, 66 of them from Ann Edwards School.

The shoe boxes, all wrapped up in Christmas paper, were filled with a variety of toys, wax crayons, paper and sweets.

The boxes, which were for youngsters of all ages, were being sent out to Romania by the charity Operation Christmas Child.

“We were delighted by the response,” said coordinator Joan Townsend. “Thanks to the success of this event we will certainly be holding others like it in the future.”

Shown in the picture, engulfed in gifts, from left to right are volunteers Kathleen Beard and Mavis Goscombe with Joan Townsend in the foreground.