Pupils at a secondary school in Gourock have been working to help children at the other side of the world

St Columba’s High pupils Ian Lin, Drew Maunders, Martin O'Neil and Jack McVey took charge of organising the Mary’s Meals backpack project.

Many of the children that Mary’s Meals support don’t have basic learning tools such as notepads and pencils.

The project sees people fill backpacks with basic items which are then gifted to the children supported by the charity.

This is the first year that St Columba's have taken part in the project and teacher Chris Bonnar deemed it a success as pupils handed over 20 backpacks to the charity.

Mr Bonnar said: “As a modern studies teacher I had heard of the charity and the great work they do.

"The school has never been involved with any of the projects for the charity before but I thought we could give it a go.

“First year pupils Drew, Jack, Iain and Martin were great - they took charge of the advertising and organisation of the appeal.

“Martin even stood up and spoke to some of the year groups to encourage them to help.

"They have all done really well.

“Not only has the charity been helped by their efforts but I have seen the confidence of the boys grow and they have picked up new skills.

"They completely threw themselves into it and seem to have loved having the chance to make a difference and help children of a similar age to themselves.”

The boys, with the help of staff, pupils, family and friends managed to fill 20 backpacks.

The bags contained a notepad, pens, pencils or crayons, an eraser, ruler or sharpener, a towel, shorts or skirt, a t-shirt or dress, flip-flops or sandals, soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, a small ball and a spoon.

Chris added: “Thanks to teachers, staff, pupils, parents, families and friends we were able to help 20 children with this year's appeal.

“We want to thank everyone for their donations and congratulate the boys.

"We were delighted with their efforts and the boys seemed satisfied that they had achieved what they set out to do.”