Students and staff at South Dartmoor Community College embarked on a mission at the start of November; to spread some festive cheer to poorly children and young people on the children’s wards at Torbay, Exeter and Derriford hospitals.

More than 300 shoeboxes have been collected, wrapped and filled with wonderful gifts in the hope that this small gesture can brighten a family’s Christmas.

On Tuesday, the hard work and dedication of all students involved came to life. Members of the Fox Tor student council, dressed in Christmas attire and armed with a festive CD, packed the minibus ready to deliver the shoeboxes that they had worked tirelessly to put together.

This small group of students (pictured above) have been the driving force behind this kind and generous gesture. They have organised cake sales to raise money for extra gifts, filled and wrapped countless boxes and they have given their own time on top of college productions, mock exams and other extra-curricular commitments to make this really special.

The children and young people who received the boxes were delighted with the thoughtful, fun and exciting gifts that awaited them inside.

Abi Cowell, teacher of dance and Fox Tor lead tutor, said: ‘We know that all of the recipients and their families would like to join us in thanking all of the students, staff, friends and families of South Dartmoor Community College for the happiness they have shared this Christmas time.

‘The students and staff of South Dartmoor Community College would like to thank the staff of Torbay, Exeter and Derriford children’s wards for making our visits possible.

‘Merry Christmas and a happy new year from all of the students and staff at South Dartmoor Community College.’