PUPILS are competing against each other to donate food to those going hungry in Basingstoke.

The initiative, at Everest Community Academy, will support Basingstoke Foodbank, based at Trinity Methodist Church, in Sarum Hill.

People struggling to support themselves can receive three days worth of emergency food, in exchange for vouchers issued by different agencies.

The scheme at Everest, in Oxford Way, Popley, involves pupils in each house group competing against each other to collect as much food and non-perishable products as possible. The items will then be forwarded to the town’s foodbank.

Teacher Kirsty Demuth-Falconer, who organised the event, said: “The generosity that has been displayed from students and staff has been inspiring, and several boxes of donations have already been taken to Basingstoke Foodbank.

“I am sure that this generosity will continue in the coming weeks as students continue to help the local community and also have greater understanding of the world we live in.”

Councillors Paul and Jane Frankum, who represent Popley West at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, were at the scheme’s launch.

Cllr Jane Frankum said: “I was surprised at how aware some of the students were for the need for a foodbank in the local area.

“But I thought it was an excellent thing for Everest to do, and I was certainly very impressed by the new headteacher, Nick Price.”