GIFTS from generous shoppers have been presented to special school pupils.

Wellbank Special School, in Washington, was nominated to benefit from the Giving Tree at The Galleries shopping centre, in Washington.

The school caters for about 60 pupils from the Washington, Houghton-le-Spring and north Sunderland areas who are aged from three to 13 and have learning difficulties.

Gifts were collected from customers, and the tree was supplied by Focus Do It All at The Galleries retail park.

Centre manager Les Pickering attended Wellbank School to deliver the presents.

Headteacher Jane McLeod said she was delighted the school had been nominated for the second year in succession.

"The school is continuously raising money to provide better facilities, learning materials and resources for the children," she said.

"We were delighted when The Galleries presented us with the gifts.

"Many thanks to the staff who organised the tree and to the kind-hearted customers who helped The Galleries with its collection."

Mr Pickering said: "The Giving Tree was a great way for local people to support a worthy cause at a traditional time for giving."