KIND-HEARTED Otley residents are being thanked for donating hundreds of shoeboxes for a Christmas appeal.

Otley Methodist Church has once again been acting as the drop-off centre for the Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Appeal - and has been impressed with the public’s generosity, despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A spokesperson said: “We have been delighted to receive a wonderful number of boxes, at least 300.

“I would like to thank all the people who have brought them in, it’s been a joy to meet them.

“They have come from families, from places of work and from local churches.

“Very many thanks to everyone.

“There will be some very happy children when they receive them.”

Organised by the Samaritan’s Purse charity, the shoebox appeal is run to ensure children around the world - who wouldn’t otherwise get any - receive some Christmas gifts.