GENEROUS pupils at a Leigh school are spreading the Christmas spirit to some of the world’s poorest children by packing shoeboxes full of festive gifts.

The children, at Eastwood Primary School, brought in toys, sweets, toiletries and school supplies to pack into the 44 boxes which will be sent to children in eastern Europe and Africa through Operation Christmas Child, run by the Samaritan’s Purse charity.

Teacher at the school Jane Brown said: “The children have really got behind this. We showed them the charity’s DVD and it helped them to understand how children in other countries might be living. Taking part in this project makes them more appreciative of all the things they have.”

Last year Operation Christmas Child sent 1.3million boxes to children in hospitals, orphanages, refugee camps, homeless shelters and poor neighbourhoods around the world.