A NEW uniform being brought in at a York school led to a huge act of kindness by pupils.

Fulford School, whose head teacher is Steve Lewis, arranged for old uniform and football equipment to be donated for the ‘Taking Football to Africa and Beyond’ charity.

Russell Harris, deputy head at the South York Multi-Academy Trust school, said: "A huge thank you to everyone that has donated old uniform and football equipment this half term. We were inundated with so much uniform that we have been able to support more than just the original charity.

"Wing Commander Neil Hope MBE collected over 2700 items of clothing and football equipment.

"It won’t be going to just Kenya, they donate to 58 countries around the world. In November it will be taken to Kenya and beyond via military planes and distributed in the New Year. The uniform and equipment will go to a number of schools, orphanages and will also be handed out in the slums in Nairobi."

In February the school hopes to receive photographs of the uniform being used and worn in Africa.

Mr Harris said: "We are looking to develop the link between us and the schools involved in the project for future work and endless possibilities of collaboration.

"In addition, we will be sending out 100 pairs of trousers and 100 polo shirts to another charity “Goal for Gambia”.

"The uniform that couldn’t be donated due to paint, pen stains, rips etc has gone as rags to Leeds Women’s Aid and they will receive the money from the rag merchant for their charity to support women and families of domestic violence. A big thank you must go to NextGen Clothing and Schoolshop in Elvington who have donated seven boxes of brand new uniform from other North Yorkshire schools. The charity this will be supporting is the Christian African Relief Trust, with the uniform being sent out to schools in East and Central African states."

"Thank you again to the parents that have donated and help support these wonderful charities. The largest thank you must go to the instigator and organiser, Claire Edwards, a parent who has given up her time, washing machine and house to organise, store and facilitate this wonderful collection. A special mention must also go to Year 13 student Emma Turner who has helped Claire sort and organise the clothes for collection."