PUPILS at Beamont Collegiate Academy have been thanked for their efforts to help the town’s homeless.

The Long Lane school’s Charity Enrichment Club recently held a collection of warm clothing for the Salvation Army.

With boxes filled with coats, hats, scarves, gloves, towels and linen, students from across all year groups have been treated to a free restaurant trip.

Josie Davies, the school’s charity enrichment coordinator, said: “It’s a real treat for our children.

“We help two or three charities per term and the pupils chose what is closest to their hearts.

“They said that we need to do something for the homeless people, so they’ve been collected woolly hats and scarves and other warm clothes.

“They’ve not only brought hats, coats and gloves, they’ve also got a bag full of towels and linen for when somebody manages to get a room somewhere.

“I think this will have a massive impact because anyone can suddenly find themselves without anything.”

Pupils headed down to Harvester on Riverside Retail Park on Wednesday, April 5, for a free meal as a reward for their charitable efforts.

The restaurant waived the fee from the school and requested that it was also donated to the Salvation Army.

General manager Shane Whiteside said: “It’s just great to be able to give something back to the local community.

“I’ve only just arrived here as general manager but I’ve already noticed that where we’re based at Riverside Retail Park there are a lot of homeless people sleeping rough out here at night.

“I think it’s a great cause and it’s just great to be involved in this.”