SIX schools helped Turton Rotary Club to another successful year with their shoebox scheme.

Pupils were asked to fill boxes with items which will go to deprived children in eastern Europe in time for Christmas.

This year the schools returned a bumper 320 boxes. The schools involved were St Brendan's RC Harwood, Eagley Infants, St John's RC Bromley Cross, St Columba's RC Tonge Moor, Walmsley CE primary and Egerton Primary School.

David Magilton, chairman of Turton Rotary's International Committee, said: "We had another a terrific response from the children and the schools. They love helping to give deprived children something to open at Christmas. Many of the boxes were decorated with good wishes from the children and I am sure they will be well received by their counterparts, who for many, it will be their only present this Christmas.

"The boxes will be shipped out later this month and are expected to be distributed in Romania."