Three thousand, three hundred shoeboxes filled with gifts were donated by people in the Isle of Man to this year's Operation Christmas Child.

The boxes are now on a long journey to the other side of the world, to bring smiles to the faces of desparately poor children in Kyrgyzstan, a former Soviet republic, bordering China, in Central Asia.

Organisers of the charity appeal say they are delighted with the enthusiasm and generosity shown by the Island.

Manager of the charity for the north west Ian Taylor says the boxes will mean a huge amount to the youngsters (audio file attached):

(Image: Ian Taylor pictured at the recent handing over ceremony for the shoe boxes).