OPERATION Christmas Child volunteers helped spread joy to needy children by delivering gift-filled boxes by hand.

Judith Whalley and Hilary McFall flew out to eastern Europe last week to help distribute parcels packed in Britain.

Mrs Whalley, of Westbury, made her fifth trip to Romania, returning from Cluj on Monday.

She said: "I had an incredible time. We were shown such a variety of things. I saw some of my old friends and children from camps I have been to.

"The reaction was unbelievable they could not believe we were there. It has been so special.

"Romanian people have won my heart. It is a nation of such lovely people."

During her trip Mrs Whalley visited orphans and disadvantaged families and saw Liviu Balas, who helped distribute the first convoy of aid and shoeboxes in Romania in 1989.

"The things I saw will live with me forever," said Mrs Whalley. "Everywhere we went children sang carols and gave us cards. I've never seen so many nativity plays in my life.

"It was very cold and a lot of the children were shivering. The knitted hats and gloves have been essential.

"The ladies that knit always ring me and ask whether we need more and the answer is always yes."

Mrs McFall, of Bowerhill, near Melksham, flew out to Serbia, returning on Tuesday.

She visited hospitals, refugees and orphanages during her trip.

"It was absolutely amazing. When the children saw the boxes they were so excited," said Mrs McFall. "They were squealing with delight, jumping up and down and running around in circles. I gave a box to one little boy who put it in the bottom of a wardrobe and climbed in. When I peered through the crack in the door I saw him licking and hugging everything.

"I would like to thank everyone who gave boxes because without them children would not have a gift."

Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes from Wiltshire were among the first to be distributed to needy children in eastern European countries. Local volunteers are expecting to top last year's total and a fourth lorry could be sent out for the first time this weekend.

Mrs McFall said: "We are still processing shoeboxes for the later distribution trips, and anyone who still wants to make a contribution should get in touch.

"We are all going out to beat last year's UK and Ireland total of 1.3 million shoeboxes, and local support this year has just been fantastic."

Operation Christmas Child is run by Christian humanitarian aid charity, Samaritan's Purse.