Community-minded pupils have been spreading the Christmas spirit by raising much needed donations for the Salvation Army.

Pupils on the school council at Ormiston Herman Academy in Gorleston asked fellow pupils and parents to donate toys or tins of food for a Salvation Army appeal.

Youngsters were challenged to bring in just one thing they don't play with anymore, or just one tin from their cupboards that they are unlikely to eat, to bring a bit of festive joy to local families less fortunate than themselves at this time of year.

Pupils were rewarded with 'tick' on their Enrichment Passports.

The passport initiative is a scheme run by Ormiston Academies Trust which encourages pupils and students to engage with their local communities and learn life skills outside of the classroom.

The collection scheme took Ormiston Herman Academy's pupils one step closer to achieving their bronze, silver or gold award.

Pupils were also treated to a special assembly run by Major Katrina Lennox from the Great Yarmouth branch of the Salvation Army who explained the positive impact their generous donations would have for families in the local community over the festive period. Kate Rutherford, principal of Ormiston Herman Academy, said: 'Everyone at Ormiston Herman Academy is extremely proud of the school council for organising this appeal and of every single pupil who donated.

'Providing opportunities for enrichment is hugely important to what we do here and this gave us a chance to show pupils how important it is to support their local community and those in need, particularly at this time of year.

'I would also like to say a special thank you to Major Katrina Lennox, who kindly visited us to give a very thoughtful assembly which brought to life the positive impact that the pupils' donations will have.'

A spokesman for the Ormiston Academies Trust added: 'Pupils and parents did an incredible job supporting the appeal, bringing in a phenomenal amount of donations.'

For information on the borough's Salvation Army team, which is based in Tolhouse Street, you can visit its website at www.salvationarmy.org.uk/great-yarmouth or call 01493 858069.