SCHOOLCHILDREN have collected dozens of items to donate to a food bank as part of their harvest festival celebrations.

Pupils from St Joseph's RCVA Primary School, in Newton Aycliffe, have in the last two weeks donated fruit, vegetables, tins and other food and drinks in a bid to help those in need.

At a harvest festival attended by the whole school and parents on Thursday, Father Michael Whalen, of St Mary's, delivered a mass featuring readings from youngsters.

Liam Hunt, acting deputy headteacher, said: "All the children have brought in donations and have brought quite a lot so we are very thankful for that.

"Part of the year of mercy is to help others.

"It's important to give them lessons in helping other people and to understand there are people in the community that aren't as fortunate as us."

The items were delivered on Friday to Durham Foodbank which serves people in crisis across County Durham.