KIND children from a Saturday school in Bradford collected about £2,500 to buy gifts for youngsters from asylum and refugee families.

Pupils from Rawha Academy, which is based at Lapage Primary in Barkerend Road, donated their pocket money and took part in sponsored activities so they could buy presents for 100 families.

It was part of the academy's Gift 100 initiative, which was aimed at teaching the children about helping people less fortunate than themselves. Bradford East MP Imran Hussain (Lab) gave a speech at the gathering.

Rizwan Rehman, a volunteer at the academy, said families of Syrian, Ethiopian and Somalian descent received the gifts - which included footballs, dolls, painting sets and books - at the weekend.

"I am very proud of the children for what they have achieved," said Mr Rehman. "Especially in a month of fasting when we try to teach the children about people who are less fortunate than themselves.

"The people who got gifts were very appreciative."