CHILDREN in eastern Europe are set to benefit this Christmas thanks to the efforts of a Hampshire community.

Pupils at St Patrick's Roman Catholic Primary School in Woolston have received the support of the whole community in their shoe box appeal.

The children have been filling shoe boxes full of festive gifts for deprived children in Kosovo and Albania.

Teacher Maureen Herring, who is co-ordinating the school's appeal, said: "We have had more than 150 shoe boxes handed in already and we are looking to break the 200 barrier."

Shoe boxes should be wrapped and contain a number of small gifts.

A donation of £2 is also needed to cover the cost of delivering the boxes.

Today's deadline for gifts may be extended.