PUPILS and parents at The Firs School in Chester have been packing Christmas boxes for the annual Operation Christmas Child appeal, run by the charity Samaritan’s Purse.

The scheme involves decorating shoeboxes and filling them with toys, clothes, hygiene items, pencils, paper, art supplies and sweets to make a gift for children and their families who wouldn’t otherwise expect to have a Christmas present.

Area co-ordinator Pam Hodge said: “We have already had a fabulous response. It amazes me every year. The generosity of the people is fantastic. It is such a great charity to be involved in because you know everything you give gets to the children.”