Pupils hosted a series of fundraising initiatives to raise money for The Trussell Trust, a charity that supports foodbanks across the country, including in Mansfield.

The trust reported just before Christmas that the network of foodbanks it supports was stripped of supply as the festive period loomed, and it desperately needed help to keep up with demand.

Pupils from The Brunts Academy, part of Greenwood Academies Trust, felt strongly about supporting the charity to help struggling families and wanted to ensure everyone had enough to eat during the holidays.

Students and staff raised £877 for the charity by running a festive concert, holding an academy-wide non-uniform day, and releasing their Christmas song online.

The concert was the academy’s first since the beginning of the pandemic. It brought together pupils and members of the wider community to spread holiday cheer for a worthy cause.

Carl Atkin, principal at the academy, said: “I am very proud of our pupils for leading the efforts to raise money to support The Trussell Trust.

“It is heart-warming to see such a caring endeavour by our bright young people, truly embodying the values of the academy with ambition and integrity.

“The charity is a pillar of the community and works to uplift many disadvantaged families, so it was great to have the opportunity to work alongside them and make a difference.

“We were pleased to help the trust build up foodbank supplies before the Christmas period.”