PUPILS at a school in Oakley are getting involved in the Christmas spirit.

Oakley C.E Junior School, in Oakley Lane, recently started a ‘dare to care’ campaign to help those less fortunate than themselves.

Their efforts have led to the family and friends of the pupils donating Christmas items and food, which the children have been making up into festive hampers, which will then be distributed to those who need it.

Head boy at the school Charlie Miller said: “We are looking to show our compassion with this scheme.

“We are looking to send a box to those who are less fortunate, including the elderly who might be on their own or families with less than us, so they don’t feel lonely.”

Each of the hampers, stuffed with goodies from food to toiletries, comes with a Christmas cracker to spread some festive feeling.

All the children split into groups to fill a hamper in the school’s hall with the appropriate gifts.

Head girl Minha Fathima added: “We’re hoping that these will cheer people up, we don’t want anyone left out at Christmas.

“Our groups will make sure that the right people get the right gifts. We are going to be having a good time, so it isn’t fair if others aren’t.”

The operation will split the approximately 30 hampers between charity Besom, and local churches, who will distribute them to the people locally in need.

The donations were seen by Besom trustee Diane Taylor.

Diane said: “It is so encouraging to see the enthusiasm and generosity of these children, who recognise that for them Christmas is the best day of the year, and who want to make sure it can be a great day for everyone.”

“The school hall looked like Santa’s workshop as the pupils selected a variety of food and treats to fill their hampers in order to bless other people. What a great way to start the build-up to Christmas.”

Headteacher Steve Rich added: “The important lesson is that the children are not thinking about themselves, compassion is one of the school’s core values.”