KEIGHLEY College is launching a ‘reverse’ Advent calendar in the countdown to Christmas.

The initiative, now in its second year, is designed to help students and families in need during the festive period.

Staff and students donate goods such as food, clothes and toiletries.

Each box on the calendar is filled and then at the end of term the contents are distributed to the disadvantaged.

This year’s venture is being co-ordinated by health and social care students, supported by the college’s learner experience team.

Steve Kelly, the college principal, said: “Being able to give something back to our students and their families this year is incredibly important to us.

“We appreciate how difficult this year has been and our students have shown admirable resilience and strength.

“As many families may be struggling this Christmas, the calendar aims to support them by providing valuable products such as toothpaste, toothbrushes and shampoo.

“Last year’s calendar was incredibly successful. We were humbled by the kindness of everyone at college and felt privileged to be able to support our community.”