A LORRY set to deliver festive joy to thousands of disadvantaged children began its long journey from Barrow to eastern Europe on Tuesday (21).

Boxes of Hope Cumbria - a local charitable appeal - packed away the last of its gift-filled shoeboxes ready to be given to deprived children in Romania.

Schools, community groups and individuals donated generously, contributing boxes containing basic hygiene and educational supplies, as well as small toys and games.

Members of the fire service also donated their time, assisting the charity's volunteers with the loading of the boxes.

The shipment now begins a near-2,000 mile journey to the Constanta, Brasov and Transylvania areas of Romania, where the shoeboxes will be distributed to children through schools and churches.

A team of volunteers will make the journey to Romania in early December to oversee the delivery of the gift boxes.

Rhona Teale, Boxes of Hope trustee in Barrow, said: "In previous years I've been to hand out the boxes in person, and saw the people were so grateful. You feel very humbled, and we're just glad to be able to help."

"By delivering the boxes in person we can provide a connection between the people that donate and the children receiving the boxes.

"For a child who lives in abject poverty, to receive a box with these items it means the world to them."