CHILDREN from a pre-school in Weymouth pulled together to donate presents to less fortunate children around the world.

Children from Smarties Pre-School took part in the Samaritans Purse Shoe Box appeal and were tasked with filling old shoeboxes with toys, clothes and confectionary.

The children, aged two to four, were taught about how the shoebox appeal can help less fortunate children in Eastern Europe, and were given leaflets about how they can get involved.

This is the second year the school has taken part in the appeal and this year a total of 21 boxes were donated.

Claire Sheppard, Playgroup Leader Assistant at Smarties Pre-School, said: “We taught the children about less fortunate children in the world who don’t receive presents at Christmas and gave them a leaflet about how they could help.

“They all wanted to do it, and everyone pulled together for a joint effort.

“They would choose either a boy or girl to give presents to. Last year there was a lot of girls shoeboxes, but this year there was an even mix.”

“Some children chose what was going in to their boxes. I know my children got involved and said the children receiving the boxes would like this or that.”

She added: “They all really enjoyed doing it, we have seen a lot more people getting involved this time. Hopefully we will do it every year.”