Pupils’ enthusiasm about Christmas rubbed off on builders refurbishing a school who decided to bring some cheer to others in need.

Chris Hatton and his team from construction company Bowmer and Kirkland, collected toys for youngsters living on the poverty line and delivered them to The Mawney Foundation School, Mawney Road, Romford.

Pupils gathered the items on Monday to create shoe box donations, and the items were donated to Dave Chuck of the Salvation Army who will forward them to children living on the poverty line.

Year 3 pupil, Arlinda Daliti, seven, said: “We are doing this for the homeless for Christmas so they can have a good year and be warm outside. I feel really happy that we have done this to help people.”

Ten-year-old Year 6 pupil, Paulina Atanasova added: “People who live on the street can have a Christmas present and they might not feel as lonely.”

But the school’s generosity did not end there.

Teacher Caroline Jacyna gathered a group of Year 6 pupils to sing traditional Christmas carols outside Romford station on Wednesday.

“We work with MTR Crossrail’s community ambassadors and have been chosen by the company to get involved with events for our chosen charities so we have adopted the station.

“We sang songs like Silent Night and Oh Little Town of Bethlehem and raised £273.99 for the Salvation Army.

“The children were really proud and absolutely loved it. They really brought a sense of joy to the station.”