Wisbech shoppers are being encouraged to brighten up Christmas for children who won’t receive a gift this year.

The Horsefair shopping centre has launched its annual festive shoebox appeal and shoppers are encouraged to donate Christmas gifts to the cause.

To take part people are asked to fill a shoebox with gifts for children in three age groups – two to four, five to nine to 9 and 10 to 14.

Kevin Smith, centre manager, said: “The support we receive each year for the shoebox appeal is always overwhelming – people are so generous.

“It’s a fantastic cause to support and I’m sure opening the boxes makes such a difference to the children receiving them”.

Suggested items include toys like a teddy bear, ball or jigsaw, colouring book or pens and hygiene items like a toothbrush or a comb.

Other items include scarves, hats or sunglasses.

Perishable items like chocolate and food or homemade toys should not be included.

Along with the boxes, a donation of £3 cash or cheque is requested to help cover distribution costs.

Once filled, shoeboxes can be dropped off from November 1 until November 18 at the Oasis book shop on Norfolk Street, or at the Horsefair’s information point on the bus station.

You can collect leaflets with suggestions and gift ideas, as well as donation envelopes and age group stickers to decorate and label the shoeboxes, from either drop off point.

The shoebox appeal supports Operation Christmas Child, an initiative ran by Samaritan’s Purse, an international relief and development organisation.