THOUSANDS of shoe boxes packed with goodies have been shipped to children in the Ukraine thanks to Herefordshire.

A total of 11,000 boxes have been dispatched from Hereford as part of Operation Christmas Child, an annual fundraising campaign which sends Christmas gifts to those in need.

Former Treasure Hunt adjudicator and TV-am weather presenter Wincey Willis is one of the volunteers busy checking boxes in Hereford before they are sent overseas.

“It's wonderful because these children have nothing and then they get these,” said Wincey, who has lived in Hereford for 13 years.

“The idea is to get a shoe box and choose the age and sex of a child and fill it with things you think they will need. Many include cuddly toys, hats and warm clothing.

“To some of them getting pens and paper means they can go to school.

“All those that send them in do so for people they will never meet and they won't get a thank you for doing it. There is a lot of goodwill.”

Wincey's involvement started after she read an appeal asking for volunteers.

“I saw something in the Hereford Times and went down. I did it for the first time last year and just got hooked completely,”

said Wincey.

Donations from across the county were dropped off at a number of locations including factories, schools, offices, community centres, churches and shops.