A CHALLENGE set to raise supplies and boost stocks for the town’s Foodbank has ended in 'thousands' of donations being collected by pupils from Ormiston Bolingbroke Academy in Runcorn.

The academy’s maths teacher, Mark Robinson, came up with the plan as a way to support the struggling service that is buckling under the weight of the cost-of-living crisis.

Mr Robinson challenged each form group to host their own collection with an incentive that the form with the most donations win a free hot breakfast.

Runcorn Foodbank has specifically highlighted a need for not only their usual non-perishable items but also toiletries, pet food and puddings to help carry families through the Christmas period.

Students from the Barnfield Avenue school spent six weeks collecting supplies which amounted to ‘thousands’ of items being brought in.

The winner of the challenge, form 7CME managed to gather more than 700 items in their impressive collection for the cause and were treated to a hearty group breakfast.

Form 7E came a close second with their round of donations.

Mr Robinson said: "I'm thrilled with the response to the competition and amazed at the lengths the staff and students have gone to in order to support their local community.

“As a school we are delighted to have been able to make such a significant contribution to those in our area who need it the most."

If you would like to make a donation to the Foodbank, visit their website runcorndistrict.foodbank.org.uk/