Bristol pubs join up to Operation Christmas Child

Three pubs across Bristol are helping to give gifts to the world's poorest children by encouraging regulars to fill shoeboxes with presents.

Channings, in Pembroke Road, Clifton, the Wishing Well, in Aspects Leisure Park, Kingswood, and the Bradley Stoke, in Brook Way, Bradley Stoke, have joined forces to help Operation Christmas Child.

The pubs will be acting as drop-off points throughout November where people can hand in their gift-filled shoeboxes, and they are urging locals to get involved.

Completed boxes must be dropped off at the pubs before November 18 to allow time for transportation.

Wishing Well general manager Tina Cochran said: "We're delighted to be supporting such a worthwhile campaign. We'll be doing everything we can to spread festive cheer and to put a smile on the faces of children in the most desperate situations around the world."

The aim is to send a message of hope to children in desperate situations regardless of nationality, political background or religious beliefs.

Gifts should be for children aged two to 14, boys or girls. Ideas for boys include cars, small musical instruments, puzzles, sunglasses or felt tip pens. Boxes for girls could contain dolls, costume jewellery, hair bands, toiletries or toys.