COLLEGE students have smashed their record after collecting almost double the number of food hampers for a Pendle charity Students studying Level One child, health and social care, at Nelson and Colne College Sixth Form, donated 63 boxes to Colne Open Door, after collecting 32 last year.

The charity, based in Great George Street, Colne, provides food parcels to the poor, and destitute, throughout the borough.

Initiating a campaign across the college, the students collected food, toys, and other equipment, to support the charity’s gift box appeal.

Items, such as cereal, tinned, and dried packet food, and biscuits, as well as cuddly toys, were collected and donated by the students.

Child, health and social care tutor Sue Hartley said: “We have collected items for the charity for a number of years now, and each year the students are keen to collect as much as possible for this worth-while cause.

“On behalf of the college, I would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to all those who have donated.”

Catrina Higson, from the charity, said: “I am overwhelmed by the generosity shown by the staff and students at Nelson and Colne College, and by the hard work, and dedication, shown by the students in collecting the donations, and making up so many hampers. The work done at Colne Open Door is vital to the community and this year, in particular, we have seen a rise in the number of people who are in need.

“These hampers will go a long way to bringing some cheer to them, and make their festive period a less stressful time.

As well as food parcels, Colne Open Door operates a furniture recycling facility, and provides counselling and support to people of all ages with a variety of issues, at Colne Open Door Centre.