PUPILS at an Uxbridge school have donated almost 500 items to Yiewsley and West Drayton Food Bank.

After reading about the rise of child poverty, they decided to make a positive contribution.

Around 150 students from Park Academy in Park View Road collected items over three weeks.

Teacher Ryan West, co-ordinator of modern foreign languages, who over-saw the collection, said: ‘’Our students care passionately about social issues and they are often the subject of their debates and discussions.

‘’I decided it was time to see their commitment to wanting to change society for the better and to support their community.

“Food banks are not just there for the poorest families but for those that fall short for a few days every month.’’

Students from years 7-11 were given a target of collecting 300 items. In the end, they collected 467.