PEOPLE from Calverton, Arnold, Woodborough and Lowdham have helped collect almost 600 shoe boxes to send to Afghanistan.

The Calverton and Woodborough District of the Royal British legion launched the shoe box appeal to send gifts out to troops. With the help of Nottingham Army Cadets Calverton Detachment 'C' Division they have raised £330 - bringing donations for the appeal to almost £1,000.

This money has been used to buy items to put in the boxes, which includes CDs, Oxo cubes, sweets, baby wipes and biscuits.

Local schools have also made Christmas cards for the boxes.