A Mansfield school has raised almost £1,000 for Children In Need and collected groceries for a local foodbank.

Samworth Church Academy showed that, despite challenging times, its ethos of service to others is stronger than ever.

Students held a non-uniform day for Children In Need, raising £987, and also donated food and toiletries to Sherwood Forest Foodbank, Mansfield Woodhouse.

Teacher Chris Bury, who helped to organise the day, said: “We held a meeting with the school council and, because it was impossible to do the usual fundraising activities, students came up with the idea of collecting food parcels.

“The response of students and their families was amazing. While the academy wanted to continue to support Children In Need, the school council thought it was crucial to help a charity that serves local people as well.”

Samworth chaplain Alex Brompton said the efforts students and their families made to support both charities were heart-warming.

“Our local foodbank, run by The Trussell Trust, serves families in the Mansfield and Mansfield Woodhouse areas. Many of our own academy community have been helped by the charity, particularly during recent times.”

Alex said students and staff members also filled collection buckets with coins for Children In Need.

“Our students held a non-uniform day and made donations to Children In Need. Sadly because of Covid-19 we were unable to do our ‘gunge’ challenges, where many teachers ends up covered in custard.

“But we are hopeful that we can reinstate that next year!”