GIFT boxes will light up the faces of children around the world this Christmas.

Smile International has collected 12,000 shoeboxes full of toys and toiletries donated by people across the UK.

They will be given to children in villages, schools, orphanages, refugee centres and camps in the Balkans, Sri Lanka and Africa.

Smile International's director, Ruth Doubleday, said: "We have so many children in need every year who do not get anything and it helps to brighten up their Christmas.

"It will be such a blessing for the children, to see their eyes light up is just amazing."

For donation information, call shoebox co-ordinator Lorraine Bowtell on 01689 870932.