ALRESFORD Rotary Club has been getting into the seasonal spirit by collecting Christmas shoebox gifts for children age up to 15 who are living in Third World countries where presents for them are few and far between.

The Rotarians have been supported in their efforts by Churches Together in Alresford, Swarraton and Northington WI, the Swan Ladies Club, Alton Inner Wheel, Patchwork Nursery, and various schools, including Sun Hill, Perins and St Peter’s (Winchester), resulting in a massive haul of 465 shoeboxes brimming with gifts such as small games, gloves, hats, scarves, and pencils.

The scheme is run by more than 70 clubs that make up Rotary Wessex, who then ship the boxes out in time for Christmas for under-privileged children.

Alresford Rotarian James Pinniger is pictured collecting shoeboxes from Year 7 pupils at Perins School.