The headgirl and boy of Roding Valley High School in Loughton have ensured a huge pile of food was sent to the Epping Forest Foodbank.

Grace Cain and Harry Boyd-Walker led their cohort in a collection that saw hundreds of tins and packets of food donated.

Miss Cain said: "Harry and I are absolutely delighted with the response.

The collection saw each school house compete to donate the most, with Pankhurst currently leading the pack.

"When we launched the appeal a few weeks ago we were hoping for a few items in each box but we have been overwhelmed by the generosity of staff and students and have plenty to deliver to the Epping Forest Foodbank on Friday.

"Regardless of which house wins, it has been great to pull together as a whole school and do something to help our local community."

Assistant headteacher Sam Dyer praised the students for their generosity.

He said: "We are all very proud of Grace and Harry for launching the appeal.

"The response from our staff and students has been fantastic, just as I expected it would be.

"We try to support as many different charities as we can. The Epping Forest Foodbank charity is the obvious local choice and supports so many local families all year round."