A CAMPAIGN to collect shoeboxes of small toys and gifts for needy children around the world has been launched for the second year.

Business centre operator Regus is using its sites around the North-East to collect shoeboxes for the Operation Christmas Child, run in conjunction with the Samaritan's Purse charity.

The shoeboxes filled with gifts are sent to children living in refugee camps, orphanages and homeless shelters around the world.

More than 5,000 boxes were collected nationally during last year's campaign.

Boxes can be left during office hours between November 3 and 18 at Regus centres at 20 Woodland Road and Yarm Road Industrial Estate, in Darlington; Belmont Industrial Estate, in Durham; Durham Way South, in Newton Aycliffe and Skippers Lane Industrial Estate, in Middlesbrough.

Steve Purdy, managing director at Regus, said: “The Shoebox Appeal is easy, fun, and brings incredible joy to children who are in real poverty or hardship.

"Last year other local workplaces and schools supported us by filling shoeboxes with small gifts for children who have probably never received a present before.”

Shoeboxes should be filled with items that are fun and educational including cuddly toys, dolls, finger puppets, cars, jigsaws, hats, gloves, pens, pencils and colouring books. War-related items should not be included.

Hygiene items including toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap and hairbrushes can be included, as well as non-chocolate sweets.

To find the nearest drop-off point visit regus.co.uk