STUDENTS at Dawlish Community College donated hundreds of items to Dawlish Community Larder for Christmas.

The Larder was set up to help and support people in the town in immediate need of basic food.

The students collected 648 items of food to hand over to the larder for distribution to individuals and families struggling over Christmas.

A college spokesman said: ‘It will make a real difference and we are so pleased to be able to play our part.’

The college also helps out every festive season by sending hampers to the local community, especially for those in need or who may be alone and nit have family around.

Each student in their tutor group is asked to provide items to make up a hamper.

These included canned goods or dried foods, Christmas treats such as biscuits, ginger bread, mince pies or Christmas puddings and cake, tea bags, coffee, sweets and treats and baubles or decorative gifts.

The Dawlish Community Larder, supported by community group Redeeming Our Community and Helping Dawlish, provides food supplies whether due to a medical need or isolation or before other help becomes available.

The organisation runs completely confidentially and food support is available through all mainstream Dawlish schools.

Helping Hands also organised a collection for the town’s waste and recycling team.

They asked for donations of treats to be dropped off at the town council offices to be taken to the depot for all the waste crews to benefit.

A spokesman said: ‘In recognition of the unfaltering work by Teignbridge District Council waste and recycling team over the last 18 months, we have collected treats for those who have continued to provide service in the midst of the pandemic.’

Crews were treated to sweets, biscuits, crackers and other festive treats.