DOZENS of needy children overseas have been given something to smile about through the generous efforts of pupils at a Worth Valley Primary school.

The children at Oxenhope CE Primary School have filled 65 shoe boxes with a variety of compact goodies, which will be delivered to deprived youngsters outside the UK.

They collected and donated the presents as part of a scheme called Operation Christmas Child which is run by the charity Samaritan's Purse.

During a special celebration assembly in school the colourfully presented boxes were blessed by Reverend Nigel Wright before they were sent off on their journey.

Kathrine Nutting, head teacher at Oxenhope Primary, will be taking the shoeboxes to Ilkley Road Methodist Church where they will join another 80 boxes put together by the church congregation.

The boxes will then be delivered to the Samaritan's Purse warehouse in Huddersfield, before being packed away for their journey overseas.