A CHURCH has collected more than 100 shoeboxes for needy and destitute young people in Eastern Europe and the Near East.

Manningtree Methodist Church acts as a collecting centre each year for Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box collecting and forwarding, an annual appeal.

David Shearmur, from the church, said: “This year 107 boxes packed with goodies have been sent on their way thanks to many kind individuals and small groups and church members and we are so grateful for the support.”