A frenzy of last-minute gift-wrapping has taken place across Wiltshire this week, as the final shoeboxes are prepared for the Operation Christmas Child appeal.

The first lorry-load of gift boxes was shipped off from the charity’s Bowerhill depot on Monday, with 9,608 boxes now winging their way to needy children in Belarus.

The campaign was given a final push on Sunday, with a special service at Melksham Baptist Church led by appeal co-ordinator Hilary McFall.

She said: “A lot of people have brought their boxes directly to the depot, but some brought them along to the church. We’ve also had hundreds handed in to the Wiltshire Times, with more still to come.”

Monday night is the last chance to drop off boxes at the depot. See www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk for more information.