SHOPPERS are being encouraged to show love to troops serving abroad by taking part in The Walnuts shopping centre’s Love in a Box campaign.

Launching two days after Valentine’s Day, people are asked to fill an empty shoebox with everyday items such as deodorant, sweets, razors and wet wipes.

The boxes can then be dropped off at the management suite at The Walnuts, High Street, Orpington, with two £1 coins taped to the lid for delivery.

They will then be sent to servicemen and women around the globe including Afghanistan by the Operation Shoebox charity.

Operation Shoebox founder Ian Whiteway said: “It would be nice if as many people as possible filled a shoebox to help bring a little cheer to our troops and importantly, let them know that back home in Britain we are thinking of them.”