Newbury's St Bartholomew's School donates more than 20 crates of food to Fair Close Centre and Loose Ends after Harvest Appeal

More than 20 crates of canned food, biscuits, chocolate, teabags, jam and cereals were collected for charity by a Newbury school.

Pupils, parents and staff at St Bartholomew's School, in Buckingham Road, donated hundreds of items during a harvest appeal in support of two local charities.

The food was been donated to Fair Close Centre and Loose Ends by deputy head students Lottie Codling and Ed Morris, who were joined by year 8 students Suraya, James, Olivia and Daniel.

The group had the chance to talk to users of the charities and also joined in a weekly dance class at Fair Close.

Ed Morris said: “It was a lovely experience. Firstly, we went to deliver donations to Loose Ends, who gave us such an informative and welcoming tour around their premises.

"We had the opportunity to ask many questions and we were impressed with their fantastic work.

"Next, we visited Fair Close Centre with the second delivery, were able to talk to the clients, and met some very friendly and interesting retirees. Some were ex-students of St Bart’s and reminisced about their old school days.

"When their weekly dance class began, we all got involved! One lady at the age of 94 indisputably outdanced us all.”

David Fitter, head teacher at St Bart’s, said: “At St Bart’s we understand that we are part of a much wider local community.

"Particularly in these tough economic times, we look to encourage our students to be mindful of the needs of others and to support community projects.

"As well as benefitting the charities, we see how the students themselves grow in confidence and self-worth through these experiences. I really enjoyed seeing the pictures and hearing the positive feedback from both the students and charities.

"We look forward to future opportunities to work with these fantastic organisations.”

Louise Davies, manager at Fair Close Centre, added: “We were very pleased to receive the donations and to host the students from St Bart’s. It was just great to see the different generations so enjoying each other’s company.”

Loose Ends is a drop-centre in Newbury, supported by around 60 volunteers who serve up to 120 meals a week to the homeless and vulnerable in the community.

Fair Close Centre, opened by the Queen Mother in 1967, offers older people a place to spend time with friends, to meet new people and to feel involved and connected in a caring community.