AN APPEAL to fill charity shoeboxes generated a huge response from Sutton villagers and schoolchildren.

Worshippers at St Thomas's Church had hoped to collect 150 shoeboxes with items for three local causes.

But the Harvest Collection surpassed all expectations and, with support from the village's wto primary schools, more than 230 boxes were collected.

The shoeboxes will be passed to POPI (Pass on Pre-Loved Items) which helps new mothers, Keighley Women’s Refuge, and the Salvation Army in Keighley.

The Rev Helen Collings, vicar at St Thomas’s, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of local people, and want to thank everyone who supported our appeal.

"Particular thanks go to our two local schools, Sutton CE Primary School and Sutton County Primary School, whose support has been amazing. The items donated will make a huge difference to the lives of local people in need.”