SHOEBOXES filled to the brim with gifts for children and families in central and eastern Europe less fortunate than themselves. is an annual traditional for children at St Edmund’s School, in Hindhead

Adam Walliker, headmaster at St Edmund’s told The Herald: “I know all of the children have had great fun filling and decorating their individual boxes and everyone has been incredibly generous with both their time and gifts.

“To have the opportunity to give something that will bring great joy to children and families less fortunate than us is a very real and important part of Christmas for all of us here at St Edmund’s and we are delighted to be part of such an inspirational scheme.”

Originally started by North West Rotary Clubs in 1994 the Rotary Shoebox Scheme was intended to provide children of Iasi, in north-east Romania with Christmas gifts.

Since then, the scheme has become a national project supported not only by Rotary clubs but also by individuals, schools, companies and churches. with more than 60,000 shoeboxes given out each year in time for Christmas.