University students have been filling shoeboxes with toys and other gifts to give to orphans overseas this Christmas.

The Brunel University students have filled more than 400 boxes, which they have wrapped in festive paper, to send to Ukraine and Moldova this year, smashing previous donations.

The annual appeal has been organised by Yohanna Sallberg, campaigns chair for the union of Brunel Students, and Sue Hepworth, the Brunel chaplaincy administrator.

Miss Sallberg said: “A big thank you to everyone who has helped out in this campaign. It’s been lots of fun and we’ve beat last year's record, so even more children will have a more magical Christmas.”

Clubs, societies and staff at the university in Kingston Lane, Uxbridge have been involved in filling the shoeboxes with clothing, sweets, toys, toiletries and accessories.

The packages will be distributed by the Mustard Seed Relief Mission.

Mrs Hepworth said: “I’d just like to say a huge thank you to staff, students and local people who contributed to the shoebox appeal this year.

"The 400 shoeboxes have now been picked up by the charity Mustard Seed Relief Mission and will be taken to their warehouse for checking before starting their journey to the children in Moldova.

"The charity have said how the gifts, and even the pretty boxes, are treasured so much.”