TWO Hexham schools have donated more than a third of a tonne of food for people in need this Christmas.

St Joseph's RC Middle School and St Mary's RC Primary School pupils have collected a wide range of food items.

This term the schools' Youth SVP have linked with St Mary's SVP in Hexham, with one project aimed at helping the homeless in their communities.

Both schools held form classes competitions to see which class could collect the most.

In total, St Mary's collected more than 100kg of food, while St Joseph's collected more than 250kg.

Executive headteacher of both schools Paul Naughton said: "We've been co-operating with the Hexham food bank and Newcastle Peoples Kitchen, so all this food should go to local people."

Their SVP Youth group have also written to vulnerable people, and last week pupils visited Carntyne Care Gome in Hexham to sing Christmas carols to its residents.

"The kids have got a genuine concern for others around them," Mr Naughton added.