Pupils at Broom Barns Primary School in Stevenage hit upon the idea of doing an Advent calendar to help people in need, but with one important difference – it’s in reverse.

Instead of taking out a piece of chocolate, parents and families are being asked to donate gifts that will be passed to homeless people and those less fortunate through the Stevenage-based group People for People.

Broom Barns head Jayne Currant said: “For many people, Christmas is a time of excess and indulgence – plates are piled high with basted turkey, stuffing and pigs-in-blankets.

“There are presents, treats and each morning, leading up to Christmas, you may open your Advent calendar for a present or sweet.

“However, for some families, it is a really difficult time and they can struggle.

“This is a way of helping those most in need over the Christmas period.”

The school contacted PFP founder Kenny Arnold and he visited the school to talk to the children about helping others that are less fortunate than themselves in the local area. PFP runs a community Facebook page which aims to help people in need in Stevenage.