Student librarians have been overwhelmed by residents' generosity in donating to a school appeal.

Kitty and Amber, from the Sir John Colfox Academy in Bridport, launched their ‘Buy a Book for our School’ scheme.

Members of the public have bought hundreds of books for the Colfox Academy school library.

Kitty, 15, said: “I’m amazed at how many people have bought us books and supported our appeal, I'd like to thank everyone for their wonderful donations.

“Some young people don’t have any books at home, so making sure our school library is full of brilliant books that everyone can borrow to take home and read is more important than ever.”

Their appeal, which is still running, has so far generated more than £2,000 worth of books for their school.

They achieved such a feat by asking Bridport Book Shop to host their ‘wish list’ of books. Initially, they hoped a few people might consider buying them a book, but their appeal quickly surpassed their expectations.

Amber, 16, said: “It has been brilliant when boxes of donated books arrive, we have really enjoyed unpacking them and seeing what people have given us.

“We also have lots more students volunteering to be librarians now and have been lending out lots more books than before.”

Nicky Mathewson, from Bridport Book Shop in South Street, was equally as delighted. She said: “We are delighted with the generous response from our customers, thank you to everyone who has made a contribution, it has made a real difference.”

Now the school library is well stocked with new releases and some old favourites.

Adam Shelley, headteacher of the Sir John Colfox Academy, said: “Bridport is a generous place, and the response to our Student Librarians’ Appeal has been fantastic. Thank you to everyone who has kindly bought us a book, I know our students are enjoying them."

He added: “Reading is a joy, great for wellbeing and it is wonderful that with the support of our community, we have been able to bring the joy of reading to so many more young people.”