CHILDREN at a Barry primary school have almost doubled their efforts to help youngsters less well off than themselves.

Gladstone Primary pupils counted 238 shoeboxes into a van, as part of their six-week charity mission.

Teacher Helen Alden said: “The children have been busily wrapping shoeboxes at home and filling them with essential, educational and treat items for Operation Christmas Child. Last year, the school formed a human chain and counted 131 boxes onto the collection van. This year everyone had their fingers crossed hoping to beat that target.

“The children cheered when we reached 100 boxes, we cheered again at 132 and the cheers kept coming until the final box – number 238 - was placed within the van. All children wore Christmas hats and festive jumpers and sung carols and songs as the boxes were waved off to their far away destinations.”

Operation Christmas Child filmed the children this year.

Volunteer van driver, Trevor said: “I always insist on coming to Gladstone Primary School, it really kicks off my Christmas to see such an enthusiastic group of people who make this so much fun every year.”

The school thanked all the staff, parents and children for their generosity and kind Christmas spirit.