A BLACKBURN charity collected more than 10 tonnes of food in a national drive to fight hunger.

Tauheedul Charity, based in Eanam Wharf, organised its Food For All Day at 22 venues across the country, encouraging youngsters to donate food to those less fortunate.

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The campaign, which included an event at Witton Park Academy, raised £10,000.

Tauheedul director Yusuf Patel said the initiative aimed to tackle food poverty and waste through a national network of foodbanks, breakfast clubs and food education schemes.

He said: “We are overwhelmed with the response from the national campaign. For 22 schools to collect more than 10 tonnes of food and raise £10,000 is phenomenal.

“Food for All Day is important in our schools engagement calendar and we hope to work with more schools next year.

“We would like to express our deepest gratitude to all the schools that participated and particularly to the staff and pupils who worked really hard and deserve recognition.”

The charity used the day to launch its Inspire Awards, which saw Witton Park Academy, in Buncer Lane, given the Einstein Creativity Award for organising a Blindfold Taste Challenge.

Salma Patel, from the Islamiyah School in Willow Street, Little Harwood, won the Mahatma Gandhi Inspirational Teacher of the Year Award.

Kam Kothia, chair of the Tauheedul Group and Deputy Lieutenant of Lancashire, said: “Young people from across the country have demonstrated their commitment to community service and philanthropy, and their passion to champion local causes.

“Undoubtedly, their efforts will contribute to improving the quality of life for many disadvantaged people in the UK. It is humbling to see how the Food for All Day ignited young people’s innate energy and enthusiasm resulting in the phenomenal outcomes.”

“We are committed to the Big Society and believe in the transformative power of education to achieve lasting change.”