Students at Alcester Academy have sprung into action to help refugees fleeing the Russian attack on Ukraine.

Despite being on maternity leave following the birth of her second son, history teacher Emily Bishop connected the school with the Midland Polish Community who are collecting key items for refugees.

We are pleased to be collecting the items on Friday 11th March and Oakland International will take them to the Polish / Ukrainian border.

Adding to the amount have been pupils, staff and parents from Coughton and Temple Grafton Primary Schools who have contributed huge donations of necessities.

Head teacher, Sarah Mellors said: “The school thanks Miss Bishop for her time and consideration helping is to organise this whilst on her maternity leave having just given birth to her second son Maxwell.

“We are delighted that the school community can do something positive to help such a dreadful situation for so many Ukraine families.

“We have been overwhelmed with the generosity of our students, staff and parents so far.

“We are also very grateful to the wider community for contributing to this appeal.

“It makes us appreciate quite how lucky we are to be surrounded by so many kind individuals at a time like this.”

The school is appealing for any goods to be dropped at the Academy by Friday 11th March as follows: Shower gel or shampoo, baby products – nappies, wipes or similar, toothbrushes and tooth paste, disinfectant or disposable gloves, packets of food that can be reconstituted using hot water like dried soup, dried noodles, dried pasta, paracetamol, bandages or plasters, sanitary products, washing up liquid, powdered baby milk, blankets, torches, batteries, candles. They say clothes are no longer needed.