YOUNG people in Bolton are helping to feed the borough’s most vulnerable families this Christmas.

While the political fallout continues following the publication of a report on hunger showing an unprecedented rise in the number of people using food banks, pupils at Kearsley Academy and Harper Green School are collecting food which can be distributed to families who otherwise would be forced to go without.

Harper Green School in Farnworth is doubling up as a collection point for local people to drop of food for the food bank after pupils and staff leafleted the local area urging residents donate for “emergency food for local people in crisis”.

Figures show that more than 10,000 people in crisis have turned to food banks in Bolton for in just six months.

Social, moral, spiritual and cultural co-ordinator Sarah Burke said the school took action after receiving a letter Farnworth and Kearsley food bank asking for help.

Miss Burke added: “I am aware of the growing need for local food banks through the media.

“When I researched the local food bank I was surprised to see they hadn't quite been open two years but last Christmas managed to assist 159 families.

“Pupils at Harper Green are very loyal to their local area so we decided to collect food donations to allow pupils to show care in the community.

“All pupils have been informed about our local food bank and how it helps others in need over the past month.

“I have emphasised to pupils and staff how we need nutritional item, so the food bank can generate healthy parcels which will feed a family for three days.

“Some pupils commented that they didn’t realise some people ran out of food and how cruel it is that not everyone can afford to eat.”

Mrs Burke added: “I have challenged all staff and pupils to bring in just one item.

“Already we have had teachers bringing in bags of food, one pupil donated a shoe box full of items, others donating multi-save four pack items.

“I am proud to see how many of our pupils, who off their own back, have gone and bought an item and donated this.”

Pupils gave a whole school presentation on food banks detailing the stories of children and families who are thrown a lifeline via the food banks.

Pupils Shereen Akhtar, aged 15, said: “During Christmas there's going to be many people in our local area who won’t be able to have a proper Christmas dinner, so our school decided to help out by posting leaflets in our local community advertising Kearsley and Farnworth food bank.”

Chris Ridgley pastoral lead for years 12 and 13 said: "It was an amazing day.

“Our students work very hard to collect food and raise awareness for our local food bank. They felt even more passionate after speaking with Yasmin who praised their efforts and shared her involvement with the scheme.

“I think it is really important to encourage and inspire our students that they can make a difference to the world and for them to have their efforts acknowledged in Parliament was amazing.”

Kearsley Academy is continuing its campaign urging the Government to to lower the cost of living.

They want to see energy bills and the cost of food reduced after learning about families relying on food banks.

They recently went to Parliament to speak to their local MP Yasmin Qureshi and this week are collecting items for the food bank and making up food hampers for vulnerable members of the community.

Year 11 pupil Oliver Fielding said: "Yasmin Qureshi was really passionate about food banks but explained how it was bittersweet that more food banks were needed in this day and age.”

Fellow classmate Usama Sheikh added: "I had a brilliant time in Parliament. The workshop we had really explained how Parliament works and the question and answer session with Yasmin really inspired us that we can make a difference to our community.”

The school held a traditional non-uniform day on Friday and instead of asking for money asked for goods to be donated to the food bank.