Prestonians are being asked to help provide basic supplies for Caribbean youngsters in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma.

A huge aid operation has been launched to provide school supplies to children aged between 5 and twelve.

Shoeboxes can be filled with school supplies, toys and hygiene items.

These are to be sent over to the island of Sint Maarten after homes and schools were destroyed in September.

Shoeboxes containing items can be dropped off at the University of Central Lancashire’s In The City Shop in Lune Street until mid-January.

They can also be left at the Students’ Union opportunities centre in Fylde Road.

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UCLan’s chief operating officer Michael Ahern said: “The University community, along with the people of Preston, have been amazing in offering help and support to those AUC students who have moved to Preston to continue their studies while the island of St Maarten is rebuilt.

“There is a big recovery job taking place back on the island but we feel this shoebox appeal is a way of allowing us here in Lancashire the chance to help provide vital supplies to children who really have been left with very little. The items we’re talking about are basic supplies such as pencils, paper, notebooks, crayons, soap, toothbrushes, combs, sun hats, sunglasses and torches but unfortunately we can’t accept confectionery or food items.”

The university is currently playing host to nearly 700 medical students and staff from a university in the Caribbean which was destroyed in Hurricane Irma.

Here’s the rules on the shoeboxes

The box and lid can be wrapped separately but must not be sealed

The box must be marked for the relevant gender

The box must be marked up which age it is for between 5 and twelve.

A letter or card for the receipient can be included

Anyone who needs further information can call 01772893000.