PUPILS from the Cooper School in Bicester spread festive cheer by delivering grocery parcels to older people around the town.

For the past five years pupils have brought in provisions from home, and worked with local businesses, churches and charities to collect food and donations, to help older people struggling in the winter.

Among those receiving Cooper School hampers this year were elderly members of the Bicester Good Neighbour Scheme, a charity which sends volunteers to visit 25 elderly people in the town.

Barbara Spurrell, 84, of Kingsclere Road, said: “I have been part of the good neighbour scheme for about a year and am visited by a lady called Corinna and her daughter every week. They light up my life.

“Now to receive a parcel from the school children too, with lots of goodies inside is absolutely lovely – and will help a lot with managing my money this Christmas.”

To volunteer call 01869 242808 or speak to members of the team in Bicester town centre on Saturday, January 19, from 10.30am.