A SERVICE of dedication has been held at Fairplace Church in Okehampton for Christmas shoeboxes filled with presents for needy children around the world.

The service was led by the church’s minister Rev Liz Singleton, who blessed shoeboxes put together by members of the Wives and Friends Group at the church.

Every year, church members donate shoeboxes filled with presents for children who would otherwise receive nothing at Christmas, distributed by international charities.

‘We filled 444 shoe boxes mostly from our Wives and Friends Group of Fairplace Church with others coming in from the community,’ said group secretary Shirley Webb. ‘We could not do it without the help of members with knitting and various gifts and donations towards the transport cost.

‘Most will go this year to International Aid Trust who distribute around the world Some will go, as in previous years, to Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child. We are grateful for all the support.’