STUDENTS and staff at a school in Poole have decided to give something back to the community this Christmas by creating a whole school ‘Reverse Advent Calendar’.

All tutor groups across Parkstone Grammar School were assigned one item and asked to bring in as many as possible over a three-day period.

After a time in quarantine, a team of prefects divided the items between three Dorset charities: Hope for Food, Faithworks and a BCHA refuge.

Items donated included 65 tins of soup; 49 selection packs; 27 Christmas puddings and 86 shower gels.

Staff and governors also donated over 80 new toys and books.

These charities will be using the donations to make Christmas hampers for people in need.

Organiser Naomi Willis said: “It has been a very challenging year for everyone, and we wanted to make our students aware of the impact that the national pandemic has had on people in their own community.

“Students were taught about the amazing work that these charities do and encouraged to bring in what they could.

“Their enthusiasm and generosity has been heart-warming, and we hope that by taking part in this event, they remember that they have the ability to make a positive impact on those around them.”