A SCHEME that sends parcels to troops is appealing for help to get festive boxes delivered to the front line.

The Cornwall coordinator of Operation Shoebox is busily packing items to be shipped to troops and she is asking for local people to join in with the collection.

New packs of toothbrushes, razors and shower gel just some of the items needed for the shoeboxes, along with food treats including pot noodles, boiled sweets, cereal bars and hot chocolate.

"The idea is to encourage people to fill a shoe box with a range of goodies and useful items that would mean so much to the troops, some of whom have been away from the UK for months and missing basic items that we normally take for granted," said Kate Entwistle, Cornish coordinator.

She added that both local people and businesses are being asked to help out with the boxes which can also include festive gifts and decorations.

And she appealed to community groups including the WI and schools to take part in the nationwide scheme.

The deadline for donated boxes, which are sent out all year round, and items to fill them is November 24.

For more information including a full list of items needed and the measurements of the boxes, email kate@operationshoebox.co.uk.