CHILDREN at Kennet Valley School have come up with a creative way to mark the count down to Christmas.

Their reversed advent calendar turns the idea on its head.

Headteacher Emma Russell said: “The idea of this is, that rather than the children opening an advent calendar and receiving a gift, they are being encouraged to bring in specific items that will be donated to the Trussell Trust, which is a charity that provides a food bank for those locally in need.

“Each child from each of our four classes will be asked to bring in three items from 4th December, thus completing our 12 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar using 12 baskets for specially requested items.”

Teaching assistant Sam France who was behind the plan said: “The 12 items we are requesting will be donated range from toothpaste and toiletries to tinned rice pudding, sponge pudding and tea bags! The villagers in Lockeridge have been invited to join in too with these offerings and already items are appearing at school from our neighbours which is just great!”

Mrs Russel explains that, “The children have been learning about generosity and kindness this term and we are pleased to give them the opportunity to put this into action working together as a whole school and especially at Christmas time when we need to remember those people who will be struggling locally and less fortunate than ourselves.”