MORE than a hundred shoeboxes have been donated by cathedral goers and will be heading to eastern Europe.

The shoeboxes were filled by families and elderly people at Durham Cathedral and will be delivered to churches and communities in need across Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova and Ukraine by the charity Link to Hope.

A total of 101 boxes filled with toiletries, warm accessories, stationery, toys, sweets and practical items such as reading glasses, wind-up torches, work gloves and hand-tools were collected.

Sunday School leader Esther Kisby, said: “The cathedral’s children once again found great enjoyment in being part of this project, which also helped raise their awareness of people living in poverty. Working with Link to Hope has empowered our children to make a real, practical difference to the lives of those in need."

Gifts for local children, which are distributed by the Salvation Army, will be collected at the lighting of the cathedral's Christmas tree on Sunday, December 18.