Over 40 shoeboxes filled with festive treats will be raising the spirits of troops in Afghanistan and Iraq this Christmas.

Operation Shoebox, a national campaign which sends thousands of care packages to troops serving in warzones, began collecting from across the borough at the start of the year.

James Tarbit, local organiser, said: "It is fantastic to see so many people have chosen to support the Operation Shoebox campaign over the course of the year. “These gifts provide a huge boost in morale to front-line troops risking their lives for our country on a daily basis, and will be particularly welcome at Christmas where so many of our soldiers will be away from their families.”

Operation Shoebox has been running nationally for the last six years with over 55,000 boxes so far sent out to front-line troops. People are still welcome to donate boxes and are asked to include a £2 postage donation.

For more information and a list of suitable items to include visit operationshoebox.co.uk or call the Epsom Conservatives on 01372 277066.