Students from Dawlish College have filled more than 200 shoeboxes with Christmas goodies and treats for children and families in Moldova and Ukraine.

And students from Chances School in the town have filled a further 15 boxes – and designed their own wrapping paper too.

The Christmas shoebox collection is being co-ordinated by Dawlish Water Rotary Club, who say they are thrilled by the generosity of local groups, schoolchildren, students and the general public.

“It is so important we continue this project as it means so much to those in Moldova and, additionally, now in worn-torn Ukraine where they need our continued support and love. We have collected in over 600 boxes with many more to come,” said Rotary Club President Chris May.

The boxes are being transported in early December to arrive in time for Christmas.

Community Governor at Chances School, Mary May, said: "This meant a huge learning curve involving geography, art, personal, social and other lessons…learning about citizenship in its widest  possible context.”