The Garibaldi School in Forest Town – which is part of Nova Education Trust – raised a substantial amount of food and toiletries to donate to the Sherwood Forest Foodbank, thanks to the kindness and generosity of pupils and staff.

Conventionally, schools take part in non-uniform day with the pupils bringing a donation of money, but this year the Garibaldi pupils wanted to give back to their community using the school’s charity initiative.

James Aldred, headteacher, said: “As part of The Garibaldi School charity initiative and social action agenda, instead of the traditional £1 non-uniform donation, we asked our students and staff to donate some food or toiletries to the foodbank.

“My goodness me did our students and staff deliver! They arrived at school in their fantastic festive clothing to be greeted by big smiles and festive tunes and they donated in their droves.

“It was phenomenal to see all of our students recognising the need and significance to support others within our own community over the festive period.

“As a result of the foodbank drive, we were able to make a significant contribution to those in need.

“People who need it will benefit from a little extra help this Christmas and we look forward to building a collaborative relationship with the foodbank.”

Sherwood Forest Foodbank collection drivers Dennis and Owen added: “The donation was absolutely fantastic and we are keen to invite Garibaldi students to help with donation sorting in the future.”

To help the foodbank go to www.sherwoodforest.foodbank.org.uk or www.trusselltrust.org.