EAST is set to meet west this Christmas after children at one Monmouthshire school gave Santa a helping hand.

Youngsters from Llanover Primary School have spent the past few weeks decorating and filling special parcels for less fortunate children in Eastern Europe as part of Operation Christmas Child.

From crayons, to colouring books, dolls and toys, they have been busy choosing gifts to make Christmas presents for girls and boys of all ages.

They were inspired after a watching a video of children opening the presents they received through the appeal last year. Head Barbara Thomas, said that the children put a lot of thought and hard work into making the boxes and in wrapping them.

"They really were inspired," said Mrs Thomas. "Things like this make the children aware of the true meaning of Christmas."

The boxes are now on their way across Europe and will be given to youngsters on Christmas Day.