STUDENTS and staff at the Gateway Academy have been working together with the local communities of Tilbury and Chadwell St Mary to support Thurrock Foodbank.

The operational manager of Thurrock Foodbank Peter Newall recently visited the school to collect a large amount of food that has been collected, saying: "This is a much appreciated donation" and that "it is especially needed in this current climate".

Mr Newall explained Thurrock Foodbank has been working exceptionally hard during the lockdown and has clearly seen the impact of COVID-19 has had on families in the community.

The Gateway Academy has pulled together by collecting non-perishable food since September as their Harvest Festival charity.

It has been an effort across the school, with the co-ordination of head of school Grainne McLaughlin and progress leaders, Mrs Abbey Shannon (Year 7), Mrs Ute Steenkamp (Year 8), Mrs Laura Bruce (Year 9), Mrs Ami Dixon (Year 10) and Mr Nigel Concannon (Year 11) they made this tremendous effort.

Mrs McLaughlin remarked how proud she is of all the students and staff members who donated so selflessly. It was such a success that they have stated that they will continue to collect food until Christmas and also given the announcement of a second lockdown.

The Port of Tilbury has also decided to get involved in the charity and stated that they will also be contributing to Thurrock Foodbank. The food collection was displayed in a rainbow formation to show that The Gateway Academy will continue to bring hope to their community.