A WINCHESTER primary school has delivered a large number of gift to family support and food bank charities.

This year Prince's Mead School children delivered a record amount of anonymous gifts and food donations for Home Start Winchester and Winchester Basic Bank.

Leela Bennett, head of marketing at Prince's Mead School, said: “We are always very proud that our children choose to support such excellent local causes. Our children continue to learn that charity, community support and volunteering is one of life's most rewarding lessons.”

Sue Barham from Home Start said: “Thank you again to everyone at Prince's Mead who has helped our families by buying Christmas presents. Parcels will be delivered by a very special bearded visitor from the North Pole at our Christmas activity day next week.

“Your ongoing support for our families year by year is really appreciated - and ensures that all our children receive a gift which has been chosen and bought especially for them.”

Home-Start Winchester is a local charity which provides friendship and emotional and practical help to parents with at least one child under five years old.

The purpose of the Winchester Basics Bank is to provide an emergency food and clothing service for people who are facing difficulty following an unexpected event in their lives.