THE Children of Chernobyl Orphanage Appeal has had a remarkable response to its ongoing shoebox appeal.

More than 2,000 boxes full of items such as toothpaste, soap, crayons, soft toys, socks and sweets, all luxury items in the Ukraine, have have been collected across the Fylde Coast.

Boxes have also been collected for the elderly containing towels, flannels, soaps, scarves, mittens, biscuits and tins of food.

Much of the success is down to the efforts of local schools, including St Mary's RC, Palatine and Lytham St Annes high schools

Fylde businesses have also offered their support for the campaign, including National Savings which allowed the boxes to be stored on its property.

The 4th Queen's Lancashire Regiment Territorial Army also donated time and transport to get the boxes down to Ramsgate for shipping.

Diane Burton, Fylde representative of the group who has been involved with the project from the very beginning, said: "These boxes are not just shoe boxes with a few simple gifts, they are hope, love and kindness to children and pensioners from the caring communities of Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre."

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