A TRUCK filled with shoeboxes is making its way across Europe to brighten the lives of needy children.

The 12,000 shoeboxes filled with toys and toiletries were donated by people from across the UK and collected by Orpington-based charity Smile International.

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

Shoeboxes will also be sent to Sri Lanka and Africa.

Chief executive Clive Doubleday said: "We are very grateful to all the schools, churches and people who supported us.

"The people are living in very basic conditions and to get a shoebox full of wonderful toys is a real joy to them."