Sixth form students at a Fenland college have raised £135 for their town’s foodbank.

Pupils at Neale-Wade Academy, March, sold candy canes to lower school students to raise the funds for March Foodbank.

They presented a cheque to Barbara Taylor, of March Foodbank, at the college.

Students also paid to wear Christmas hats and jumpers to school today.

Mrs Taylor said: “We are delighted that the Neale-Wade students chose March Foodbank as their local charity to support this term.

“All credit to them for thinking of other people at this time of year. The money donated will help keep our foodstore up and running.”

Head of sixth form Natalie Lamb said: “So far this year the sixth form have raised more than £800 for a number of different charities.

“We have a committee of year 12 and 13 students who have been extremely active in thinking of new ways of encouraging students to have fun at the same time as raising money for good causes.

“The students decided, after supporting a number of national charities earlier in the term, that they wanted to raise money for people closer to home and felt that March Foodbank was a worthy recipient, especially close to Christmas.

“I am very proud of the way the students have worked together in planning events and the levels of participation we have seen.”

Mrs Taylor is thrilled with the way the community has got behind the foodbank since if opened on November 12.

She said: “Its been very rewarding to see the whole community supporting the foodbank so generously.

“The recent Tesco collection added an amazing 1.3 tonnes to the foodstore, which will keep us going through the hard winter months. “Sainsbury’s shoppers have also been very generous. There is a steady stream of people requiring our support and we couldn’t do it without local people’s help.

“A big thank you to all our volunteers and donors alike.”

The foodbank, which is manned by 25 volunteers, is based at the Powerhouse Church.

Clients who need food can obtain vouchers from a variety of sources, including doctors, district nurses. PCSOs, social workers and head teachers.

The foodbank is open on Tuesdays between 1pm and 2.30pm.