SOME?173 Christmas shoeboxes, a large box of soft toys and numerous bags of all sizes filled with knitted hats, gloves, scarves and jumpers have been delivered to Devon charity Christian Response to Eastern Europe (cr2ee)

Janice and David Bawler, who organise the local collection, said: “This year donations have come from places as far apart as Bridgwater and Morchard Bishop – which supplied an amazing 65 boxes, plus a huge amount of knitted garments and secondhand goods – and Tiverton, which donated more than 25 boxes. We have also received a number of monetary donations.”

Boxes will be taken to one of the world’s poorest countries, Moldova. Janice added: “We would like to express our warmest thanks to all those who have been generous enough to support this year’s appeal.”