Keighley organisations are sending much-needed aid to Romanian children.

Staff at the town's tax office have donated around 54 shoe boxes full of many items for the youngsters. The shoe boxes, decorated to look like Christ-mas presents, contain pens, pencils, sweets, books, toy cars, clothes and other items. A raffle also raised money for the cause.

The goods are going to the charity 'Children in Distress' which helps homeless and poverty-stricken children in Romania.

Marjorie Lester and Anne Marie Birch, who both work at the tax office, launched the campaign because they wanted to help such a good cause. They hope to repeat it next year.

Meanwhile, children at the Cavendish Lodge nursery have been doing their bit for the youngsters. They and children at their sister nursery - Thornton Lodge in Bradford - have collected 100 shoeboxes packed with gifts.

The children spent a fortnight gathering the goods, which were taken away last Friday for shipment.

Assistant deputy manager Helen Balder-son says: "We were really pleased with the response from parents and members of the public. I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who gave their support."

Pupils at St Joseph's Primary School, Ingrow, have collected more than 70 shoeboxes full of useful items.

And Oakworth-based company SA Labels has chipped in with £150 to cover the cost of post and packing.

The St Joseph's effort was the idea of pupil Shaun Metcalfe, 11, who heard about the Children in Distress appeal and encouraged his friends to take part. He also contacted SA Labels and asked for sponsorship.

SA Labels accounts administrator and Investors in people committee chairman Liz Carter says: "We were delighted to help because the children had worked very hard to get so many boxes filled."

Guard House First School has collected 40 shoe boxes full of gifts. Each class donated their boxes during a special assembly. The assembly was led by Jennifer Fenwick, who coordinated the appeal in school. She describes how touched she was by the generosity of the families who donated items. The boxes are being taken to a local assembly point prior to shipment.

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