Pupils have broken a school record in a bid to give less fortunate children a happy Christmas.

Epping St John’s students and staff donated 173 shoe boxes to the Samaritan’s Purse, Operation Christmas Child, appeal.

The students, who packed the boxes with school equipment, toiletries, and toys, smashed the previous best total of 68.

The Head Boy and Girl at the school Jaymey McIvor and Danielle Corrigan, both 15, organised the six-week project.

Danielle said: “It’s really rewarding to know that all those boxes are going to change children’s lives at Christmas.”

The boxes will be sent to deprived communities in Africa.

Students covered the £3 cost of sending the boxes with some including the fee with the donation and additional funds were raised by an organised cake sale over three days.

Jaymey said: “It’s absolutely fantastic. The whole school took part in the project either by donating boxes or buying cakes.”

In the New Year students will be collecting bottle tops for another charity drive.

They will either donate them to a company who make furniture from bottle tops or weighing the items in and getting money which they will donate to charity.

The decision will be made next term.