CHILDREN at Oakhill College in Whalley, from nursery through to Year 11, are sending their own messages this Christmas to children in desperate situations around the world.

Their messages of love, caring and hope are wrapped up in shoeboxes -- some 50 of them gift-filled with toys.

These include toys of all kinds, educational items, including books, pens, pencils and sharpener together with toiletries -- and other items such as sweets, batteries and clothing.

Operation Christmas Child provides an opportunity for individuals of all ages to be involved in a simple, hands-on missions project.

The project reaches out to suffering children while focusing on the true meaning of Christmas.