A Norfolk academy which offers pupils a free breakfast before lessons has appealed for help as its says staff can only feed a limited number of children at present.

Currently 30 to 40 pupils at Caister Academy enjoy a toasted bagel in the morning but the school is unable to keep up with the growing demand for breakfast unless it gets another fridge or freezer.

Louise King, assistant principal curriculum development manager at the school, said with the exam season in full swing it is "really important" children start the day right.

"With exams now taking place we are seeing more children wanting to come into school early to have breakfast," she said.

Eastern Daily Press: The school offers pupils free bagels before lessons. Picture: Joseph NortonThe school offers pupils free bagels before lessons. Picture: Joseph Norton (Image: Archant)

"Breakfast is really important for pupils because it sets them up for the rest of the day.

"We have seen concentration levels and behaviour improve since we started offering this."

Mrs King said the school, which teaches pupils aged 11 to 16, wanted to see if anybody could donate them a fridge or freezer before going out and buying one.

Eastern Daily Press: Caister Academy teaches pupils in year seven to year 11 - aged 11 to 16. Picture: ArchantCaister Academy teaches pupils in year seven to year 11 - aged 11 to 16. Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)

Caister Academy started offering free breakfasts in May this year thanks to the government scheme 'Magic Breakfast'.

Schools who have a certain percentage of disadvantaged pupils are able to apply for funding from the scheme.

Abby Hoare in year seven at Caister Academy said she never use to eat breakfast.

Eastern Daily Press: Caister Academy is appealing for help as they need a fridge or freezer to store more food. Picture: Joseph NortonCaister Academy is appealing for help as they need a fridge or freezer to store more food. Picture: Joseph Norton (Image: Archant)

She said: "I don't eat a lot but this has encouraged me to have breakfast.

"It's nice to sit with friends and have a chat before class as well."

The breakfast club which starts at 8 and finishes at 8.30 is run by teaching assistants at the school.

Eastern Daily Press: Pupils can choose to spread a variety of toppings on their bagels. Picture: Joseph NortonPupils can choose to spread a variety of toppings on their bagels. Picture: Joseph Norton (Image: Archant)

Every couple of weeks the school receives a delivery of bagels which it freezes for the following mornings.

With a growing number of children taking an interest in the club teachers are keen to expand its offering.

They hope to give pupils the choice of fruit and fruit juice in the near future.

Melissa Scott a teaching assistant at Caister Academy said a new fridge or freezer would help a lot.

Miss Scott said: "We need more room to store food so it would make a big difference.

"The word about free breakfasts is getting around the school so we're much busier than before."

If you have a fridge or freezer you are willing to donate to the school contact them on 01493 720542.