Spaghetti, tinned beans and biscuits were among the hundreds of items donated by youngsters in one of the poorest parts of Merton to help families in crisis.

Tables heaved with goods donated by generous Sherwood School pupils, soon to be winging their way to the Pollards Hill food bank.

It is the first time the school in Abbotts Road, Mitcham, has donated to the food bank run by Christian charity the Trussell Trust.

School religious education leader Lorraine Watson said: "We wanted to do something for the local community and there are quite a few families using the food bank on a regular basis.

"The children really took it on board and brought in a lot of things for it."

The food bank asks for non-perishable items, including pasta sauces, tea, coffee and tinned goods.

Once food has been donated it will be sorted by volunteers who pack it into boxes ready to be given to people in need.

Mrs Watson is due to take the donations to the food bank on Wednesday, October 15.