A woman from Glastonbury has been overwhelmed by support for her efforts this year to collect shoeboxes full of gifts for families in need at Christmas.

Sarah Robinson has had 40 shoeboxes full of gifts donated as part of the Samaritans Shoe Box Appeal, which will be given to children around the world who might not receive anything else this Christmas.

Sarah says she usually gets a few boxes donated, but thinks that the difficulties of coronavirus have made people more giving and thoughtful of others.

She told Glastonbury Nub News: "I take part in the Samaritans Shoe Box Appeal every year because its just such a lovely thing to do at Christmas time.

"Its heart breaking that some children won't receive anything at Christmas. I usually manage to recruit a few people each year to donate a box but this year was overwhelming with 40 boxes made up.

"These boxes are made up of toiletries, stationary, toys, teddies, warm hats and gloves - all sorts.

"Its nice to leave a little note and photograph too so that the children can see where they came from.

"The boxes get sent across the world to children in all areas that are struggling and may not receive anything for Christmas.

"It's a box of hope and happiness for those most in need. I think the Covid pandemic has perhaps made people more giving at this time of year.

"The Samaritans Purse are the main organisers who team up with Operation Christmas Child to ensure boxes get to all corners of the world, even the hard to reach areas such as refugees in the Middle East."