Struggling families in Sutton are set to get a little Christmas cheer thanks to the efforts of students at Plantsbrook School – who have collected 100 care parcels for a local food bank.

Sixth former Ben Songhurst, 17, organised the project with the help of fellow students at the Holland Road School, which is part of the Broadleaf Partnership Trust.

It’s the second year that Ben has organised the collection – last Christmas students provided 60 parcels to volunteers at the United Reformed Church in Sutton town centre.

Ben said: “We had such a great response last Christmas that I wanted to do it again, only this time we set a target to increase the number of parcels to 100, which we achieved thanks to the generosity of everyone who donated items.”

The boxes contain everyday essentials such as toiletries and new underwear as well as facemasks and hand sanitiser.

“I thought that Food Banks were already helping people with food, so my boxes could provide other things that people need, like toothpaste and deodorant, as well as things that could be useful because of the pandemic,” he said.

Posters, leaflets and presentations in tutorials helped spread word around the school, urging students to donate.

The plan hit a snag when Ben tested positive for COVID not long after launching the appeal - but his fellow students stepped in to carry on the project while he self-isolated.

“I’m so grateful for everyone who helped while I was stuck at home,” Ben said, “they have all been brilliant.”

Volunteers who helped drive the scheme included Shikha Puri, Tess Smallwood, Neve Wilde, Amita Dhutti, Ellie Holmes and Poppy Phipps.

David Walton, Minister at Sutton Coldfield United Reformed Church, said: “Last year we were able to give these gift-wrapped parcels out to people as they came into the food bank just before Christmas, and it was wonderful just to see their faces. They brought real Christmas joy.

“It’s fantastic that the children are doing it again this year and we are so grateful, these young people are doing a really good thing and are helping to bring some joy into people’s lives.”

Lucy Merrell, Sixth Form Pastoral Support, said: “We are really proud of both Ben and the team who have supported him in collecting an incredible 100 parcels this Christmas.”

Head of Sixth Form Lisa Proctor added: “Our students are always keen to get involved in community support work outside of the classroom.

“This is something we promote and encourage as soon as they join our Sixth Form, allowing them to have a varied CV and personal statement to support any future job or university applications.

“But it also helps them engage with the community and helps them learn about supporting others in need and Ben’s care parcel appeal is a great example of this.

“This year has been even more challenging because of Ben having to self-isolate, but the rest of the school leadership team really rose to the challenge under his guidance.”

Pictured: Plantsbrook’s Ben Songhurst (centre) with Lucy Merrell, Sixth Form Pastoral Support, David Walton, Minister at Sutton Coldfield United Reformed Church and student leaders Shikha Puri, Neve Wilde, Ellie Holmes and Amita Dhutti