A Shropshire law firm is encouraging people to spread a little Christmas cheer by donating shoeboxes filled with gifts for vulnerable children overseas.

Lanyon Bowdler is once again supporting the annual Teams4U Christmas Shoebox Appeal, with its Shrewsbury office acting as a collection point for donations from members of the public.

The firm has supported the appeal for many years and is hoping people will help make a difference by putting together shoeboxes containing everyday essentials, small toys and other gifts.

The deadline for dropping off shoeboxes at Lanyon Bowdler’s Abbey Foregate office is November 20.

Teams4U, a charity based in North Wales, works with partners overseas to provide practical support to children and families facing poverty and other difficult circumstances.

Natasha Gibbons, a senior associate in the clinical negligence department at Lanyon Bowdler, said: “The Teams4U Christmas Shoebox Appeal is something we have been involved with for a number of years, and it’s always lovely to see how generously people respond.

“Putting together a shoebox is such a simple thing to do, but for a child who may have very little, receiving a box filled with gifts and useful everyday items can mean an enormous amount.

“We are really pleased to be able to offer our Shrewsbury office as a collection point again this year, making it easier for people in the local community to get involved.

“Whether it’s a family putting a box together with their children, a group of friends or colleagues organising a collection, every donation will help bring a little happiness to someone this Christmas.

“We would encourage anyone who would like to take part to start putting their boxes together now, as we need to receive all donations by 20 November.”

To take part, supporters are asked to find an empty shoebox, wrap it in Christmas paper and fill it with a selection of suitable gifts for a child.

Suggested items include toothbrushes, toothpaste, hairbrushes, soap, stationery, hats, gloves, scarves, soft toys, puzzles and small games.

Boxes can be prepared for boys or girls in three age groups - three to five, six to 11, and 12 and over - and can be dropped off at Lanyon Bowdler's Shrewsbury office in Abbey Foregate until 20 November. For any queries please call Vicki Thomas on 01743 280281.

For full details of how to prepare a shoebox, including suitable gifts, labels and transport contributions, visit www.teams4u.com/shoebox-appeal/