RAMSBOTTOM Rotary Club is looking to bring a little festive cheer to the children of Eastern Europe with the help of the community.

Following the success of previous years, the club is once again launching its Christmas Shoebox Appeal through local schools, churches, Scouts and Guides groups, and organisations.

The appeal involves filling shoeboxes with small gifts and personal necessities, which are then distributed as Christmas gifts to countries such as Belarus, Albania, Kosovo, Romania, and Ukraine.

Last year the club sent off 1,000 shoeboxes and £600, transported by the charity International Aid Trust. Rotarians helped distribute them to orphanages, kindergartens, children's homes, hospitals and other organisations caring for children.

Rotarian Eric Walmsley said: "Sometimes the shoeboxes will be the only gifts a family receives."

Shoeboxes are supplied by the Rotary Club. Organisations wishing to become involved with the shoebox appeal should ring Mr Walmsley on 01706 822432