Inspirational pupils from a Stacksteads school have been spreading seasonal cheer throughout their community.

Students at Valley Leadership Academy volunteered their time in the run to the holidays to support those experiencing homelessness, loneliness or food poverty. 

To spread 'kindness and joy' through the local community the school ran a Christmas Card Competition. 

It was won by Year 7 pupil Eleanor Hammond whose design was featured on the school’s official Christmas card.

Pupils st the Star Academies Trust school also delivered hot chocolate gift packs to the homes of residents.

To support people in the local community experiencing food poverty, pupils from the school participated in a ‘Big Cook Off’, providing hundreds of prepared meals to the RAFT Foundation Foodbank in Rossendale.

Pupils and their families also donated food items to the school’s reverse advent calendar where donations will be used to prepare food hampers for Haslingden Community Link.

Meanwhile, pupils also pulled on their winter woollies on Christmas Jumper Day in aid of Rossendale Hospice.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Shane Carey, principal at The Valley Leadership Academy, said: “Our Winter Gift Programme not only supports the most vulnerable members of our community, but affords our pupils the opportunity to develop their leadership skills and to experience the personal satisfaction that comes from demonstrating kindness and helping those less fortunate.

"It gives me an enormous sense of pride to see our pupils, parents and colleagues embrace this invaluable campaign with such incredible compassion and generosity.”