PUPILS at Lawn Junior School have been getting into the festive spirit this week determined to spread a little Christmas magic to less privileged children.

The children have been busy filling old shoeboxes with Christmas goodies as part of a national project called Operation Christmas Child.

The boxes, wrapped in Christmas paper, will then be sent to children aged between two and 14 in Eastern European countries.

Deputy Head, Jan Hobbs, is delighted with the effort shown by the children.

She said: "I am really proud of the children. There are about 250 pupils in the school and almost everyone brought a box in. It's so nice to see such generosity at this time of the year.

"They could choose if they wanted to buy gifts for a boy or girl and for which age group. The presents range from little toys to toiletries to sweets.

"The presents will be sent to children who have suffered from war, poverty or natural disasters."

Each child will also donate £2 per box to cover the necessary postage.

This is just one of three charity projects undertaken by the pupils in two weeks.

Last week, the Poppy Appeal was the focus for raising money and throughout this week, the school will be setting up cake stalls for Children in Need.