ALMOST 500 items for Christmas hampers have been donated by generous pupils at a Bournemouth primary school.

Students at Jewell Academy were asked to think of families less fortunate in the community and responded by opening up their kitchen cabinets to bring in an array of produce including jam, pasta sauce, rice, custard and chocolate biscuits.

The impressive collection, which was organised by reception teacher Linda Jurado, has been sent to Bournemouth foodbank which is being supported by Citygate Church.

Mrs Jurado said: “Christmas is a time to give and to think of others and getting involved in this initiative provided an opportunity for the students at the school to do just that.

“A parent at the school who is a member of the local church and does work there asked us if we would like to get involved.

“We looked into it and realised it was a great opportunity to support the local community – more people this year will have had to use food banks.’’

The students were asked to bring in items based on their year group.

Nursery and reception were asked to bring in jars of jam and biscuits and the older children were asked to bring in custard, curry sauce or rice. However, many brought in additional items.

Mrs Jurado said she was incredibly proud of the effort the pupils went to: “Everyone at the school was really on board and it was wonderful to see.

“It’s the community spirt that was so impressive – they went above and beyond to help families in the area.”

Alex Waddington, principal at Jewell Academy, added: “I am overwhelmed by the level of generosity our school community showed to support others in need.

“The children and families should be proud of what we have collectively achieved in such difficult times.”