Pupils at a Hornchurch school have been helping the homeless this Christmas by collecting food to pass on to charity.

Sisters Lauren and Amy O’Sullivan, of Sanders Draper School in Suttons Lane, decided to support Hope 4 Havering, which runs a night shelter.

The pupils spoke to fellow students about homelessness in an assembly, asking them to bring in tins and packets that could be passed on to the charity.

Now the pair, of Year 10, have surpassed their target of collecting more than 250 items.

“It’s been really fun,” said Lauren. “In the six-week summer holiday next year we want to help the charity as much as we can.” They want to become volunteers when they are older.

Kim Merry from Hope 4 Havering, who came into school to collect the food, said it would “go a long way”.

She added: “It makes a difference to know the pupils of Sanders Draper School have taken the time to show they care.”