CLACTON students collected and delivered hundreds of Christmas presents to spread festive cheer to retired residents.

The Clacton County High School pupils donated enough gifts to fill more than 150 shoeboxes as part of a massive Christmas appeal.

They wrapped them up and took on the role of Santa, delivering a present to each resident at Holly Court retirement flats.

Head of year 11 Gary Henderson came up with the scheme three years ago to encourage students to think about giving at Christmas.

And they easily surpassed previous efforts, creating a mountain of presents under the school’ Christmas tree.

Holly Court managers Ela Crabtree-Soanes and Anne Miller heaped praise on the county high school pupils.

Anne said: “The kindness and generosity of the students at Clacton County High School has again overwhelmed us. They have made so many people happy at Christmas time.”