RINGWOOD students got in to the spirit of giving to help the homeless this Christmas.

Students and staff from Ringwood School donated 4,517 food tins and personal care items.

Over the last few weeks, donations of items such as soup, tomatoes, beans, tea, coffee, pasta, rice, biscuits, toothpaste, toothbrushes and soap have been steadily coming into school and the main collection point at Grants Estate Agents in Ringwood.

The food and personal care items will be given to the main soup kitchen in Bournemouth run by the Salvation Army, mobile homeless vans and hostels in Portsmouth and a woman’s refuge and homeless shelter in East London.

Led by a team of Ringwood School sixth formers, the initiative has now been running for 11 years and continues to grow in support each year.

Nigel Himmel, the guidance and achievement leader at Ringwood School said: “Once again, Ringwood School students have placed themselves at the heart of the local community. Communities are judged on how well they support those who are less fortunate and the generosity and consideration of our students is quite outstanding. Their kindness and willingness to get involved in all types of charity work never ceases to amaze me."