They will be shipped out to Iraq and Afghanistan as part of Operation Shoebox, which aims to lift the spirits of troops serving abroad.

The council's employee services department is hoping to collect around 40 shoeboxes from staff, before sending them off next week.

Zoe Perry, from employee services, said: “We have had lots of interest from staff in supporting Operation Shoebox, so hopefully we will manage to collect quite a few.

“It’s just our way of showing our support for the troops while they are away from home and we hope other people across Sandwell will follow our example.”

Operation Shoebox encourages people to fill boxes with useful items such as socks, toothbrushes, razors and shampoo, as well as a few goodies like board games, books, chewing gum and cereal bars.

Boxes should weigh no more than 2kg, not include any aerosols or chocolates which could melt, and can include a personal message.

Councillor Pauline Hinton, deputy leader of Sandwell Council, said: “I am delighted that council staff are showing their support for our troops by sending out care packages.

“I am sure they will be delighted to receive the boxes, which will certainly bring much-needed Christmas cheer while they are away from their families.”

Donations can be made to Operation Shoebox all year round. For more information on which items are allowed in the boxes and what to do with them visit www.operationshoebox.co.uk