TINS and packets of food were handed to East Lothian Foodbank by kind-hearted youngsters.

Children at The Compass School supported the foodbank last month thanks to a ‘reverse Advent Calendar’.

Instead of opening a door and receiving something, each day the pupils of the Haddington school brought gifts of tins, packets and household necessities which they placed in a collection box at the front gate.

Some families even assembled ‘Jingle Bags’, following the list the Tranent-based charity provided to put together a Christmas dinner for a family.

Every day, the collection box was filled and every week a large of collection of goods was delivered to the charity.

Mark Becher, headteacher, was delighted with the youngsters’ efforts. He said: “We have been very pleased to work in conjunction with Haddington West Church to operate a reverse Advent Calendar during the month of December in support of the foodbank.

“At this time of the year in particular, the foodbank has many demands placed upon it and The Compass community has been very happy to help. We have been overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of goods which have been donated.

“We have also received support from members of the public and children from other schools who have dropped off tins and packets as they have passed the school gate in the morning.

“We would like to thank everyone for their kindness and generosity, which we very much appreciate.”