KIND-hearted youngsters from Teesside have sent their own bundle of presents to Eastern Europe so children suffering hardship can enjoy Christmas too.

Their gifts of toys, clothes, toiletries, colouring books and crayons are destined to help those that have been affected by war, disease and natural disasters.

Pupils from St Mary's Primary School, Grangetown, will today wave off their 65 shoe boxes full of goodies tailor-made to brighten up lives hundreds of miles away.

They are being shipped out on a lorry as part of Operation Christmas Child, which is run by the charity Samaritan's Purse.

The children were asked to bring new products into school that were suitable to include in the boxes before wrapping them in festive paper.

Headteacher Sue Lemmon said: "We have had assemblies about what we are doing and the children have learned about others less fortunate than themselves.

"In the past we have had letters back from Eastern Europe who have received their presents so they know they are making a difference."