BIG hearted children at two Tavistock schools have been thinking about those who are not expecting much joy this Christmas.

The children from St Peter's and St Rumon's schools have been busy collecting toys and gifts for the 'Love in a Box Appeal' by the Mustard Seed Relief Mission, which supplies humanitarian aid to refugees and orphans in eastern Europe.

The children managed to collect enough toys and gifts to fill more than 75 shoe boxes.

Sue Gorman, St Rumon's and St Peter's schools federation business manager, said: 'We are very pleased because the children have donated some of their own things for children in poorer countries.

'We are really proud of the effort the children have made. They wrapped all the boxes in Christmas paper with the aim of cheering up other children at Christmas.'

THE Pre-prep children at Mount House School have delivered Christmas presents to Smile International for distribution to needy children overseas.

They have been hard at work in recent weeks filling shoe boxes with gifts to go to children who may receive no other present this Christmas.

The Mount House Pre-prep children prepared 29 boxes, with the contents including cuddly toys, toiletries, toothbrushes, face flannels, woolly hats and Christmas sweets. Each box was decorated with gift wrapping by the children themselves.

The boxes have been delivered to the local Smile International collector, Marilyn Owen in Plymouth, to make sure they are shipped and arrive at their destination in time for Christmas.