YOUNGSTERS at two Burnt Oak schools have collected more than 500 shoeboxes full of toys for a Christmas appeal.

The pupils at Golbeaters and Orion Primary Schools collected the toys and made a £2.50 donation with each box as part of Operation Christmas Child which goes towards transportation costs.

They are then distributed to children in countries including Bosnia, Zimbabwe and Romania.

Richelle Cotter, a teacher at Golbeaters, said: “This was a fantastic activity for both schools. The children really enjoyed being part of this campaign and brought in a variety of shoeboxes filled with numerous gifts.

“It also gave the children the chance to directly impact on the lives of disadvantaged children overseas.”

On Monday Goldbeaters held an assembly where they collected all the boxes together and displayed them on the stage to show the children the scope of their achievements.

Ms Cotter added: “It was an amazing sight with the school stage completely covered with gifts.

“Also the children were very excited to see the all the shoeboxes together and know that they were helping other children around the world.”