Kind-hearted students from Pool Academy have started a foodbank to help others at Christmas.

The year nine citizenship group have been learning about local charities and wanted to help during the festive season. They have decided to start a donation station in the main reception until the end of the week.

It’s hoped as many people as possible will bring in donations so the school can hand over a box full of food essentials and Christmas treats to CPR foodbank officials.

Posters have been created and put around school to urge everyone to get involved.

Pool Academy teacher Kirstie Conway-Baker said: “We are donating food to the CPR food bank in the run

up to Christmas after learning about all of the fantastic work they do for our community.

“Students have made a box to receive any donations from staff, children and parents and this. We hope

everyone will give generously. The students came up with the idea as a class to start a collection near Christmas. It can be a really hard time of year for some people.

“We have already collected half a box of items in two days. Hopefully people will donate more to fill it up. The idea has been quite popular and we have had a nice response so far.”

Student Bradley, of year nine, said: “The idea was a whole class effort. I think it was a good idea to do it at Christmas time.”

Items needed for donations need to last at least a couple of months such as tins or dried fruit. Donations

made already include chocolate, beans and pasta.