STUDLEY Green Primary School's collection for Operation Christmas Child was a real team effort with all 203 pupils taking part.

At a special assembly on Friday the Trowbridge school gathered together enough gifts to fill 71 boxes for needy children.

Pupils brought in items for the appeal, which were then arranged in the school hall. Fifty children were then chosen to fill the boxes from the array of gifts.

As well as boxes pupils collected 10 blankets and £100 from a non-uniform day to help support the campaign. The school has been involved with the appeal for a number of years and it has become a popular project with pupils.

Teaching assistant Andrea Harrington, who organised the Studley Green collection, said taking part in Operation Christmas Child was a great chance for the school community to pull together.

She said: "We did it in a different way than other schools because we like to involve all the children. All the children gave something and it worked really well."

Regulars at the school's bingo nights also played their part in the appeal. A collection on one evening netted £24 and one lady knitted 35 pairs of gloves and hats.

Children at the school have also been looking at the work of Operation Christmas Child in lessons.

Ms Harrington said: "I think it's good for the children to do this. They think they are hard up, but then they see these children on the video.

"It was nice for them to see everything that goes on with the appeal."

Ms Harrington raises funds for the appeal on a year-round basis and says her enthusiasm has spread to fellow staff.

She said: "I like to get everybody involved. I just ask for help and people come and get stuck in, it is brilliant."