SCHOOL children and church groups took over Hereford High Town on Saturday in support of Operation Christmas Child.

The charity invited youngsters from across the county to take part in a day of activities centred around the filling of shoeboxes, which are sent to children in developing, war-torn and impoverished nations to provide some festive cheer.

Last year nearly 800,000 gift-wrapped boxes were collected in the UK for OCC, with 11,000 filled in Herefordshire alone.

The county's running total for this year currently stands at in excess of 4,000.

The High Town event, organised by local OCC area co-ordinators Elizabeth and Brian Hodges, featured live music, choirs, dance displays, stalls and games.

"With the opportunity to help Afghan refugees, we need more shoeboxes than ever to seek to meet the enormous needs at this moment in time," said Mr Hodges.

"We are grateful to the schools and people of Herefordshire for the county-wide support that operation Christmas Child has received so far this year.

"The warehouse in Hereford is on track to receive and process more shoeboxes than ever this year.

"This has only been possible because of the multitude of volunteer helpers who have dedicated time and effort to make this possible."

Among the special guests who turned up to support the OCC event were the Mayor of Hereford, Councillor Sue Andrews, the Bishop of Hereford, Rt. Rev. John Oliver, the UK Director of Samaritan's Purse, Rev David Applin and Operation Christmas Child manager David Bree.

The local area Operation Christmas Child warehouse is located in the centre of Hereford at Unit 5 Rockfield Road, which is open from 9am to 9pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 12noon on Saturdays.

For more information contact Elizabeth or Brian Hodges on 01432 359523 or 07980 172750.