Organisers at the Sid Valley Food Bank have praised pupils from St John’s International School after their generosity ensured the service’s shelves are stocked for weeks to come.

Students were asked to bring three tins of food instead of a cash donation at a recent non-uniform day.

The huge haul of provisions was delivered to the charity, which operates out of the Unitarian Chapel in All Saints Road, last Friday (October 9) ahead of its busiest time of year.

Food bank manager Lois Swarbrick said: “I knew I was going to get a delivery of harvest food from St John’s school, but had not anticipated the volume.

“We had eight volunteers working flat-out for nearly three hours and we only just managed to get most of the food sorted and dated.

“Thanks to the huge generous donations the food bank is now really well stocked.”

Lois said October is traditionally when the service sees an influx of clients - as higher utility bills can make it harder for families and individuals to make ends meet.

“It is this time every year that we get busier,” she said.

“As soon as the nights get darker, the heating goes on and kids go back to school.

“The last three weeks between 10 and 12 clients have come in. I don’t anticipate that will slow down for a while.”