OPERATION Christmas Child volunteers waved off two lorry loads of shoe boxes destined to help kids in Eastern Europe last week.

Residents across Lancaster and Morecambe filled more than 25,000 boxes to help children in the poorest parts of the world, where many have been victims of disasters and others have no family.

The boxes of goodies were taken to Romania, where they were due to put a smile on the faces of under privileged children when they arrived in time for Christmas Day.

Judith White, a representative of the local Samaritans, says the whole thing went really well.

"We were absolutely delighted that we got so many shoeboxes.

"It was a wonderful effort and as a result 25,000 children will benefit. Everyone put in so much effort, which is so worthwhile when you think about the difference it will make."

The final number of boxes donated was down on last year, but Mrs White believes that was due to the fact there was limited operating time.