LLANELLI students have been spreading Christmas cheer as they package hundreds of presents for needy children.

Youngsters at Coedcae School are taking part in Operation Christmas Child, and have been busy wrapping up shoe boxes full of joy.

Teacher Victoria Jones said Year 7 children were the first to start filling boxes with all sorts of treats and gifts for children.

"They have really put a lot of effort into it," she said.

"I spent the morning with my class doing it, and some of them have put in little cards saying Merry Christmas, and photographs of themselves.

"They have given hats and scarves, toothbrushes and toothpaste, colouring books, cuddly toys, sweets, all sorts of things really.

"I think this is the first time we have done it, but everyone has enjoyed it."

The school is expecting to fill around 100 shoe boxes, which will be sent to disadvantaged children in Africa, Eastern Europe and Central Asia.