CHILDREN encouraged their families to give generously in aid of others who find themselves in need this winter.

Toft Hill Primary School's pupil council wrote to parents asking for contributions to a food bank appeal and they answered in abundance, providing staple items along with treats to make Christmas extra special.

Teacher Helen Watson and the school council gave the donations to The Well in West Auckland to distribute to local families in need.

Headteacher Janice Stobbs "With the help of family and friends, our School Council collected an astonishing amount of food to donate to the food bank. Through the generosity and kindness of our families we are able to help other local people in need."

The appeal was part of the school's efforts to encourage pupils to positively contribute to the wider community. The reception class also collected chocolate to create a reverse advent calendar and donated the gifts to residents at The Fields care home, in Low Etherley.