LAST Christmas Sandra Reynolds had one of the most moving experiences of her life when she delivered 9,000 shoeboxes filled with gifts to the children of Croatia.

It was an experience that has given her a new determination in her bid to persuade the people of the North-East to contribute even more boxes this time.

In fact, the full-time mother has spoken to more than 10,000 children across County Durham since the beginning of the new academic year on behalf of the Operation Christmas Child campaign, run by Christian group Samaritans Purse International.

The group asks children and their parents to fill shoeboxes with presents which are then distributed to children across the world - children like the orphan boy that Consett-born Sandra met in Vukovar, Croatia last year. Given his first chocolate bar, the child broke it into pieces and asked if he could give them away. He had never had the chance to give anyone a present before.

Mrs Reynolds said: "I tell the children all about it and I get this really strong response. They are very interested. I would say that it is not only for children but for anyone at all who can help."

She is also looking for volunteers, including drivers, to help at a warehouse in Consett. Boxes, which should contain £2 transport costs, no liquids and no war-related toys, can be donated to any North-East branch of Quickfit, Uniform Services, in Stanley, or Consett Library. To contact Mrs Reynolds call (01207) 506385.