Pupils at a Preston school spread festive cheer to members of their community this winter by collecting gifts for children, elderly people and NHS workers and donating items to a food bank.

There was such a huge response to the school’s appeal for donations to the food bank that it took two staff cars filled to the brim to deliver them to The Salvation Army, on Harrington Street in Preston.

Executive Principal Dawn Forshaw and pupils also visited sheltered accommodation New Brook House, on New Hall Lane, to deliver their presents to elderly residents, who were thrilled to meet the children and receive a gift.

Other treats were taken to the Royal Preston Hospital to say thank you to staff for their hard work over the festive period.

The pupils’ seasonal charitable endeavours are part of its annual Festive Winter Gift Programme, which sees pupils at the school taking part in fundraising activities, donating gifts to people in need of support and giving their time volunteering to demonstrate their contributions to the wider community through charitable actions.

Dawn Forshaw, Executive Principal at The Olive School, Preston, said: “Through our annual Festive Winter Gift Programme, we aim to encourage our pupils to think of others at this busy time of year when many people are celebrating with their families.

"I am overwhelmed by the response of our school community as we had an incredibly positive response once again from parents. We are very proud of our pupils and families in the way they have shown real kindness to each other and the wider community.”