Kind-hearted youngsters from Harbertonford Primary have been spreading some Christmas cheer among residents who are spending Christmas alone this year.

Pupils in Eagles Class created special festive gifts thanks to donations from Lawsons of bulbs, plant pots and compost.

On returning to school following the half-term break, the children decorated the pots and then planted the bulbs.

Headteacher Anne Burns said: “Since then, they have been caring for them until it was time to pass them on, with love, to people who will appreciate a little bit of Christmas cheer.

“They also took decorations made by all of the children down to the village church and decorated the Christmas tree.”

Meanwhile, school administrator, Vicky Rawlings; kitchen manager, Brittany Harris, and staff from China Blue made a successful bid to Devon County Council’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme for a Christmas holiday grant.

Ms Burns said: “As a result of Vicky’s hard work, we have been able to arrange a special experience of a trip to China Blue and a food hamper for 26 of the children in school.”

Vicky said: "As a school we are committed to being at the heart of our community and we want our children to truly understand the importance of compassion and friendship.

“For the children to see the impact of and be involved in creating real acts of kindness helps them understand the importance of our school values in the wider world, as well as helping them develop as citizens of the future.

“We are very grateful to Lawsons and the HAF programme for supporting us in this and very proud that, in these difficult times, the children are still able to feel that they can make a positive contribution.

“Spreading some love at Christmas is very important and we hope that our efforts have made a difference.”