Eight struggling families will each receive a Christmas box from benevolent students.

The Sandwich Technology School sixth formers have worked with Deal Area Foodbank to identify those who will benefit. And although their identities are not known to the pupils, their family make up was told to them to help them work out what they should fill the boxes with.

Maria Stone, head of sixth form, said: "Each form collected for their family and decorated their box to ensure the maximum festive cheer."

The students wanted to give back to the community that supports them and make a difference to those less fortunate.

The boxes were collected by volunteers from the Foodbank and will be delivered in time for Christmas.

Sheila from Deal Foodbank said: “The boxes are phenomenal and heart-warming and will bring so much pleasure to the intended recipients”.

Ms Stone added: “The students have worked very hard this year to develop partnerships with their local communities and we have been very lucky to work closely with Deal Foodbank in this Christmas box scheme.

"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”.