Kind-hearted residents are being thanked for filling shoeboxes with gifts for children in need across Europe and Africa.

Residents, business, schools and churches across Elmbridge chipped in to make the special boxes filled with sweets, toys, colouring books and toothbrushes before taking them to Regus centres in Cobham and Weybridge.

Across the country, more than 5,000 shoeboxes were collected from Regus centres and distributed in time for Christmas.

John Spencer, CEO of Regus in the UK, said: “We are delighted to have been involved in the appeal and the response has been fantastic.

“Our centre teams thoroughly enjoyed their participation and were very happy to help this worthwhile cause.”

For more information about the shoebox appeal, visit operationchristmaschild.org.uk.