STUDENTS and staff at a York school hope to spread some cheer this Christmas by sharing food and other essentials with people in need.

Archbishop Holgate’s has sent a van load of donations to York Foodbank, including toiletry gift sets, crisps, snacks, chocolates and selection boxes.

The school in Hull Road is the only York school to have a permanent, year-round Foodbank collection point, with last year's Christmas donations able to feed 495 people.

Richard Nihill, school chaplain, said: “A big thank you to everyone who donated items. As we’ve been looking forward to Christmas we have encouraged everyone in our school community to reflect on how we all like a little treat as well as life’s necessities. It is great we can help York Foodbank with basic food items that people need, but it is also appropriate that people can have a treat that enables them to really feel valued. This firmly fits with our school values of justice and compassion.”

A spokesman at York Foodbank, said: “We are delighted to be working with Archbishop Holgate's School again this year. The school firmly holds the values of compassion and giving, and they have a community-focussed outlook. We have had some great collections from the families and staff, and as we rely on the public for all of our food, their contributions are always greatly received.”