Pupils at St Julian’s School, Wellow, have raised almost £200 for the Somer Valley Foodbank at their Harvest festival celebrations.

St Julian’s held its first Harvest event in two years due to the Covid pandemic, observing the celebrations in both the school and the local St Julian’s Anglican Church.

School Headteacher, Ruth Noall, said: “Our Harvest Festival celebration last week was truly wonderful, providing an opportunity for children to be thankful and reflective. The shared harvest supper at school provided a great opportunity for collaboration and socialisation, whilst also learning new culinary skills. A huge thank you to our families in the village who loaned out ovens to help with the mass baking!

“The service in the Church was uplifting and joyful. We were very blessed that we were able to gather together and hearing the children singing again was a joy. Thank you to everyone who was able to join us for this service and for your generous donations for the Somer Valley Foodbank.”

In total, £170.97 was raised for the free food distribution initiative.

In the Christian tradition, Harvest is observed every Autumn and coincides with farmers harvesting crops from the fields. In Churches and Church schools across the country, thanks are given for the food the land provides, and often involves collecting food produce for those in need.