Pupils and staff of a school in Dorchester have been using their daily piece of exercise to drop off food for those in need during the coronavirus pandemic.

St Osmund's Church of England Middle School has set up a food bank outside the school's main reception so that pupils, parents, teachers and anyone else from the local community can drop off items for those who are in need of extra help at the moment.

Headteacher Saira Sawtell, who is also a key member of the team running the Bus Shelter for rough sleepers in Weymouth, said: "We have set up a food bank outside the school doors so as part of the daily exercise allowed, students are dropping dry and tinned food into a tub with no contact with anyone.

"In the first two days we had a great response. We are seeing it as way to keep students thinking about each other and our school community at this challenging time. It is also our core school value of love in action.

"Our learning mentor, who supports families needing extra help, is distributing it all to those who need it the most."