Junior school pupils are donating sets of pyjamas and toys to other children less fortunate than them in a heart-warming charity drive.

Sholing Junior School students raised £320 last month that went towards buying pyjamas and toys for children receiving treatment at the children's ward in Southampton General Hospital.

Taking part in the initiative for the first time, Sholing Junior School deputy headteacher Danielle Lebbern said: “The children – there’s about 360 pupils at the school – have been donating packs of pyjamas that will go to the children’s ward at Southampton General Hospital and go towards those that need them most.

“We finished the pyjama appeal last month and raised £320 for pyjamas to go to the hospital.

“We get a huge amount of support from our parents and families with these sorts of days, and it allows us as a school to make a difference.”

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Staff and students outside Sholing Junior School (Image: Matt Davey) Jen Woods, whose daughter Alice attends the school, said: “Alice was diagnosed with a childhood cancer at 18 months, and we’ve spent a lot of time at the hospital and seen the amazing work the staff do, so we just want to give back and help where we can.

“A pair of new pyjamas goes a long way and puts a smile on a child’s face when they’re stuck in a hospital bed.”

As well as donating pyjamas to the General Hospital, Friday marked the launch of the school’s toy appeal with the help of charity Benji & Beyond.

The organisation was set up by Katherine Paine 18 months ago, after her son Benji died of sepsis.

Katherine said: “We create boxes for children and families paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at the General Hospital.

“We also supply birthday, and Christmas presents throughout the year for children and their siblings.”

Head boy of Sholing Junior School, Harry, added: “I feel quite proud to be involved – it’s nice to be involved with a charity that helps people feel equal even when they’re in tough times and struggling in hospital. We want to make a difference.”