HAPPINESS comes in boxes at Christmas time and once again, the Rotary Club of Cowdenbeath and district was hugely grateful to the local communities for their support for the their shoebox project.

Thanks to the many local families, schools and nursery children and staff, for their faithful and generous response children abroad benefitted from having a present to open on Christmas morning.

The recently filled shoeboxes by local club members, local people and three primary schools and a nursery were sent to orphanages, children's homes and needy families in the previous conflict areas of the Eastern Ukraine in time for Christmas.

The boxes were delivered and distributed by rotary members and partner charities

Said the Cowdenbeath club's International convener, Tom Russell: "Often, social and economic deprivation in these areas is such that the shoebox gifts may be the only presents these children will receive at Christmas. Thanks goes to all who donated.

"The rotary club were able to forward 220 boxes to add to the magnificent total of almost 14,000 boxes collected by rotary clubs throughout the east of Scotland district.

"The rotary club wish to express heartfelt thanks to all in our communities for their continued support and generous donations".

Among the contributions to the shoebox appeal were from children at Noah's Ark nursery in Auchterderran Road, Lochgelly; Lochgelly West and South Primaries; and Lumphinnans Primary and Community School.