GENEROUS pupils and staff are getting involved in a reverse Advent calendar challenge to help families in need.

Furness Academy students, teachers and staff are supporting Barrow Foodbank with the reverse Advent calendar collections.

Each day the Barrow school community brings in food items and they are placed in collection points in the 34 form groups and two staff areas.

As the school term ends on December 16, the pupils are doubling up on the days in the run up to the Christmas holidays starting. There is a prize for the form collecting the most items.

All the food will be placed together in the last week of term to see how much has been collected and to deliver the items to Barrow Foodbank at Abbey Road Methodist Church.

Amy Dempster, of Furness Academy said: "Last year we took part in the Wheelie Bin Challenge Christmas Appeal for Barrow Foodbank and we collected two tonnes of food. That went exceptionally well and we know the Foodbank struggles into January so we wanted to help again.

"We want to support the local community, the cause resonates with out students and staff as anyone could find that they need to use this service."

The last day of term is also Christmas Jumper Day. Furness Academy will be donning festive jumpers in aid of Team Jake for the The Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group.

Early Christmas present for Barrow teenage girl with cerebral palsy after charity donation

Walney School teacher surprised with Bouquet of the Week from star pupil