PUPILS at St Anthony's School in Cinderford have been helping children in areas of the world where education is often only a dream.

They have been gathering material for Mary's Meals, a charity that aims to give children in some of the poorest regions of the world access to education and a proper meal each day. The charity now feeds over 459,000 children in 16 countries.

Head teacher Mrs Julie James said: "We were approached by the Royal Forest of Dean Inner Wheel Club to work in partnership with them supporting Mary's Meals and we were delighted to be able to respond."

As well as meals the charity also supplies backpacks are provided which contain all a child needs to be able to go to school, such as pens, pencils, books, ruler and rubber, as well as some basic hygiene items such as soap, towel, toothpaste and toothbrush and a T-shirt, shorts and sandals.

Jenny East, Inner Wheel overseas organiser, said: "Each club in our district was asked to fill 10 backpacks but the donations from the children have been so numerous that they will far exceed the original aim. We are very grateful for all the children's help in this venture."