For the fifth year running, staff at Connexions – the advice centre for teenagers – have been getting involved with the Christmas shoebox appeal for children in Eastern Europe. Staff from Connexions centres across Cambridgeshire have been collecting smal

For the fifth year running, staff at Connexions - the advice centre for teenagers - have been getting involved with the Christmas shoebox appeal for children in Eastern Europe.

Staff from Connexions centres across Cambridgeshire have been collecting small toys, stationery and sweets to fill gift wrapped shoeboxes.

This week they will be sent by lorry to children in Belarus, Bosnia and Romania.

Margaret Duffield, who is coordinating the collection at Connexions in St Ives, said: "I'm really passionate about the Christmas shoebox appeal.

"Most of us already have everything the appeal could possibly need and you don't have to give a lot to give a small child everything."

The appeal, which is organised by the charity 21st Century Child, collects gifts for children who would otherwise go without, and last year 20,000 children benefited.

INFORMATION: Connexions, which is part of Cambridgeshire County Council, provides confidential advice, guidance and personal development services to 13-19-year-olds.