The youngest did their bit to help the needy at in the run-up Christmas.

Children from the Bright Sparks Child Care Centre in Birdwood Avenue, Deal, joined in donating to the Deal Area Foodbank.

Meanwhile sixth formers from Sandwich Technology College put together a Christmas Box for each of eight local families.

The boxes were collected on Monday and will be delivered in time for Christmas.

Head of sixth form Maria Stone said: "All students have donated to the scheme, or have volunteered their time, clearly demonstrating the depth of feeling that these students have for their local community”.

Other schools and nurseries, plus churches, supermarkets, companies and individuals also gave generously.

Deal Area Foodbank Project Coordinator Sheila Ward said: "Thank you to absolutely everyone in Deal, Sandwich and local villages who donated not only our usual staples, but also advent calendars, Christmas puddings, chocolates, and entire Turkey dinners.

" Everything that has been collected is going to families with little or no food for Christmas.

" In some cases we have met families and individuals who have literally nothing in their cupboards for the festive season. Without the generosity of local people, we would not be able to help in this way."

The Foodbank opening day between Christmas and the New Year is Friday, December 28.

Opening times are 10am to noon at the Trinity Church, Union Road, Deal, and 12.30pm to 2.30pm at St Finbarr's Church, Market Square Aylesham.

The Foodbank will be open as usual the following week apart from on New Year's Day.

For more information visit the website dealarea.foodbank.org.uk