Youngsters have tried to spread some festive cheer to soldiers – and dogs – serving in Afghanistan.

Year 7 pupils at The Brittons Academy, Ford Lane, Rainham, put together 108 shoeboxes full of luxury treats including chewing gum, sweets and new socks to be sent to serving men and women at Camp Bastion. There were even five boxes of doggy delights for the soldiers’ canine companions.

Year 7 support worker Tina Whiberley was delighted by the children’s giving spirit.

“The Royal Anglians are serving in Afghanistan at the moment which is our Essex regiment so hopefully some of the boxes will reach them,” she said.

Children presented their gifts to Operation Shoe Box area organiser Kim Newman Clark who will send them to Afghanistan the week after next.