SCHOOL pupils have be doing their bit to help homeless people across Colchester.

Pupils welcomed a number of guests to the school for a free hot meal yesterday.

They also joined their visistors at the dinner table for a meal cooked by catering manager Sheila Verrall while others helped teachers and support staff serving as waiters.

Lower school musicians provided a sound track to the dinner.

As well as a hot meal, the school also offered a range of free toiletry items to its guests, including toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, sanitary products and shaving materials.

In total the items added up to about £2,000.

Colin Green, acting head teacher, said: “We recognise homelessness is a huge struggle for all those affected by it and we understand our offer of a meal and some toiletries will bring only some temporary relief.”

The total value of all these items donated easily exceeded £2000. All the toiletry items that were left were passed onto the Colchester Night Shelter. This organisation welcomes toiletry donations and regularly oversees the distribution of these to homeless people.

The Colchester Night Shelter was instrumental in helping us to bring about this event. Marina Woodrow provided good advice throughout at all stages of our planning.