A national charity has thanked people for their support in collecting thousands of gift-filled shoeboxes which were then distributed to children around the world.

The shoeboxes, put together by members of the public, businesses, schools and churches, contained anything from sweets and toys to toothbrushes and colouring books.

They were sent out in time for Christmas to underprivileged children in orphanages, hospitals and refugee camps.

Samaritan's Purse said it was grateful to Regus centres at Brooklands Business Park, Weybridge, and Cobham motorway services for collecting the Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes.

Simon Barrington, executive director of Samaritan's Purse, said: "We would like to thank the Regus network of local workplace centres for their support again this year, as well as all the members of the public who wrapped, packed and brought in their shoeboxes.

"Thanks to them, many thousands of children who otherwise wouldn't have received any presents this Christmas knew they weren't forgotten."

This is the second year Regus has been involved in the shoebox appeal, collecting more than 5,000 shoeboxes between them.

Richard Morris, CEO of Regus in the UK, said: "We're delighted to have been involved in the appeal again this year an the response has been fantastic."