A CLASS of generous pupils at a school in Clacton have donated hundreds of items to people in need.

More than 15 pupils at Oakwood Infant School donated 30 bags of food to homeless people via the Salvation Army foodbank, based in Clacton.

As part of the school’s annual harvest festival parents were are asked to donate unwanted or long-life food to the school to give to the foodbank, which is run by volunteers.

Once armed with their donations to school ambassadors, made up from the school’s reception class, took the donations along to the foodbank in Anchor Road to see where the donations go and who they help.

Learning mentor Karen Warbis accompanied the children on the day and said it was a valuable experience for the youngsters, especially in the lead up to Christmas.

She said: “We asked the parents to send in pasta, rice, tins of fruit, baked beans and also items such as toothpaste, new tooth brushes and toiletries.

“We were overwhelmed with the response from parents who had been very generous in their donations to the foodbank.

“The children went along to see what happens at the foodbank and it was explained to them that when people need food they have vouchers to be able to come to somewhere like that.”

She added: “We were really really pleased with the donations we took to the foodbank and for having the opportunity to go there.

“It was also a great opportunity to see how the community helps the homeless that are in Clacton and see the children helping the volunteers based at the Salvation Army.”