WARM-hearted pupils from a Basingstoke primary school set up stalls to serve treats in a bid to raise funds for the homeless.

Parents and children enjoyed a cup of warm hot chocolate served by pupils from Fairfields Primary School, in Council Road.

Year One to Six pupils wanted to do something positive to support the Real Change, Not Loose Change campaign and their school council decided that a fundraising hot chocolate sale was the best idea as “everybody likes chocolate.”

Deputy headteacher at Fairfields Primary, Vicky Hopkins said: “The children were really moved by the thought that people are sleeping rough on the streets, especially in the cold weather, and they passionately wanted to help.

“They came up with a number of ideas but decided that a hot chocolate sale would raise the most money for the Real Change, not Loose Change campaign.

“We are very proud of the compassionate efforts made by our pupils and hope that their donation will help local homeless people this Christmas.”

The sale, which took place on Tuesday 19 December, raised £125.70 towards the £16,085 target for the Real Change, not Loose Change campaign.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s deputy leader and chair of the Social Inclusion Partnership Cllr Terri Reid said: “Well done to the Fairfields pupils who came up with the brilliant fundraising idea of selling hot chocolate to parents at school pick-up time. The money raised from the event will really make a difference to our campaign.

“I encourage everyone to show their support by donating time, money or items, however small, as an alternative to giving directly to people on the streets.”

To support the Real Change, Not Loose Change campaign visit spacehive.com/real-change-basingstoke-2017