STUDENTS have helped to bring festive cheer to underprivileged children across the world as part of a national charity campaign.

Burnley College students collected and filled 112 shoe boxes with gifts for children in developing countries as part of Operation Christmas Child.

The gift wrapped boxes contained items including toys, toiletries, sweets, stationery and musical instruments.

Student services manager Denise Hartley said: "Taking part in Operation Christmas Child is an excellent way to help children in war-torn and poverty stricken countries look forward to Christmas. "Filling the boxes took a lot of thought because they could be sent anywhere in the world, but the students really enjoyed helping a valuable charity and getting into the Christmas spirit."

In 2006 Operation Christmas Child sent 1.24million shoe boxes from the UK to children in hospitals, orphanages, homeless shelters and impoverished neighbourhoods in the poorest parts of the world.