Kind-hearted Pool Academy students have started a project to help the homeless after seeing people cold on the streets.

Head Girl Amber Gibson and Senior Prefect Tabitha Taylor wanted to help after recent low temperatures and wintry weather.

The pair approached their principal, Claire Meakin, who supported their idea to start a project to raise awareness.

The Year 11 girls are now hoping to hold non-uniform days and bake sales to collect much-needed cash for charities such as Shelter and Redruth-based Independent Futures which supports young people aged between 16-25.

Tabitha said: “It is cold outside and, especially in the winter, it is hard. We were in Plymouth recently and saw there were people who were homeless. They looked freezing and only had a sleeping bag and we thought that was not fair.

“When I used to hear about homelessness I thought about old men with beards sitting on the streets but it is actually families and young people too.

“We hope to do things for the rest of the school year to help support homeless charities.”

Amber said: “The issue of homelessness has really touched our hearts.

“One of our plans is to go into primary schools to raise awareness about homelessness with them as they may not always think about it.

“We are also hoping to convince them to help us by having fundraisers such as a non-uniform day.

“Miss Meakin is giving us lots of support. We are feeling really positive about doing this.

“It started as just a small idea and has already developed so fast. It is lovely to think we are able to raise money for the homeless.”

Miss Meakin said: “It is wonderful to hear that Pool Academy students are being so selfless and caring about the community around them.

“I am so proud of our students at Pool Academy.”