Drop-off points have been busy with donations of gift-filled shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child.

Over 500 boxes from Tynedale residents will be given to children in need, with many receiving their only Christmas gift of the year.

Last year, the boxes were sent to Ukrainian children.

Hexham's Community Grocery Store was a new drop-off point this year (Image: Supplied) In Haltwhistle, Aimie Doswell organised a coffee morning which raised more than £1,200 to buy gifts.

This was thanks to the generosity of family, friends and Haltwhistle Methodist Church.

Hexham's Community Grocery Store, a new drop-off point, also saw generous donations.

Manager Dale Dawson and volunteer Margaret Mennim helped with the collection.

Croft and Graves Opticians in Corbridge accepted boxes from customers (Image: Supplied) Croft and Graves Opticians in Corbridge continued their support by accepting boxes from customers.

Louise Atkinson, an optical assistant, helped with the process.

Thanks went to Amanda, Tesco’s community champion, for her support, and a ladies knitting group in Prudhoe, who donated over 400 hats and scarves to the boxes.