Children at a Walmer school are turning up in their classrooms with more than just their books, pens and pencils.

Tins of baked beans, sweetcorn, packets of pasta, tea bags and breakfast cereals are also on their way to The Downs Primary, as a new Foodbank collection bucket has arrived.

The volunteers at the Deal-based good cause visited the school on Tuesday to thank the children and talk to them about the charity’s work in the community.

Executive head teacher, Catherine Karunaratna said: “As a school we are thrilled to be partnering with Deal Area Emergency Foodbank (DAEF).

“It is a way for us to strengthen the support we are able to deliver to ensure children and their families at The Downs and Northbourne Primary Schools are not only catered for academically but also practically. Some of our families have already benefited from this service.”

Denise Kilmurray, family liaison officer at The Downs and Northbourne schools, added her backing to the work of the Foodbank, which was launched in Deal in December.

She said: “It is such a privilege to be able to issue a food voucher to a family that are greatly blessed by the generosity, warm welcome and respect that they receive from the foodbank.”

* For full story and to find out how to help the Foodbank see the East Kent Mercury, June 27.