YOUNGSTERS proudly sported the colours of their country as they went around collecting bags full of food for their local charity food bank.

The children at Chase Lane Primary School, in Chase Lane, Dovercourt, decided to mark St George’s Day in the true patriotic spirit of helping people who need it.

They ditched their uniforms in favour of red and wh ite colours in honour of St George’s Day and they also took in as much food as they could muster to donate to Harwich Food Bank.

The collection came after someone wh o used the food bank – which helps people in times of crisis – visited the school.

Headteacher Julie O’Mara said: “They’ve all done fantastically well.

“We had a special assembly where a person, who was at first a user of the food bank but then became a helper  said some inspiring words about why it is important.

“The school council, which is made up of students, decided to do something for the community,” she added.

“The students brought in a truly amazing amount of food to donate.”