YOUNG mothers have come together to bring Christmas cheer to poverty-stricken children in Romania.

A group of new and expectant mothers recently signed up as Millennium Volunteers in Northallerton. Members have been collecting items suitable for boys and girls up to the age of 18.

The goods have now been gathered in and packed into 20 giftwrapped shoeboxes, which have been donated to the annual Shoebox for Romania appeal run by Northallerton's New Life Baptist Church.

The appeal is due to send a consignment of 2,200 boxes to Aivd and Simenia, in Transylvania.

Donations include socks, flannels, toiletries, calculators, notepads, pens and pencils and sweets.

Millennium Volunteer Kirsty Smith said: "It is amazing that in the 21st Century, there are still people in the world who have absolutely nothing. We were only too pleased to try and help."

The young mothers group meets at the New Life Baptist Church from 10.30am to 1pm every Monday. Millennium Volunteers have raised the money to pay for the rent and a creche and have taken part in singing, signing and baby massage courses.

They are also hoping to publish a family recipe book.

Signing up as a Millennium Volunteer means they will receive a certificate recognised by employers and universities.