The countdown to Christmas has begun with a shoebox appeal.

St Teresa’s School, in Brook Road, Borehamwood, is counting its Christmas shoeboxes for the Operation Christmas Child appeal.

The school council has collected a total of 85 boxes for this appeal, each filled with Christmas gifts to send to children in underprivileged countries around the world.

The children select presents for a girl or boy between the ages of two to four, five to nine or ten to 14, with gifts including small toys and games plus items to help with their education and hygiene such as soap, toothpaste or tooth brushes.

Headteacher Teresa McBride said: “The school participates in this appeal every year. It is a good opportunity for children to think about, and do something for, a child who is less fortunate than themselves.”