GENEROUS schoolchildren have offered strangers around the world a step in the right direction by donating shoes they no longer need.

Youngsters at St Bede’s RC Primary School used their final day of term to leave the Darlington school barefoot after giving away the shoes they were wearing to the Sal’s Shoes charity.

The fundraiser saw the children taking off shoes they had outgrown over the school year and helped to package up pairs with teachers who organised the event.

The shoes will be shipped out to children all over the world who are unable to attend school without shoes and face a higher risk of infection by constantly walking barefoot.

Àine Rochester, who made a donation on the day, said: “I think it’s important that we raise money for other children that are less fortunate than us.”

Fellow St Bede’s pupil, Holly McCormack, added: “If they have shoes then they won’t get infections in their feet.”

Headteacher at the school, Doreen King, also joined the children during the fundraiser.

A spokeswoman for the school said: “All the children got involved by donating their outgrown shoes and donating £1 to the charity.

“This is a fantastic cause and a huge eye-opener for the children. It was such a monumental moment watching the school walk out barefoot.”