Stansted school St Mary's Primary invites residents to sing carols on their doorsteps in aid of Uttlesford Foodbank

A Stansted school is aiming to unite the community and sprinkle some festive cheer by inviting residents to sing carols on their doorstep and raise money for Uttlesford Foodbank.

Matthew Curzon, newly appointed head of St Mary's CoE (Foundation) Primary, said that some of his pupils had received support from the service during this difficult year and the school council wanted to ensure no-one went hungry this Christmas.

Leaflets and emails are being sent out to parents and the wider community for the event on Wednesday December 16. People are asked to venture onto their doorsteps to sing at 6pm.

"We decided to push it out as wide as possible, a bit like the clapping for key workers, as we thought it would be a nice festive treat while raising money for a good cause," said Mr Curzon. "The clapping was lovely to hear and see, and having everyone out on their doorstep singing will be fantastic."

The idea stems from BBC Radio Shropshire, which is raising money for charities in its area. Mr Curzon said children wanted to do their own version and approached the BBC to ask if they could take part to support their own local charity, to which the broadcaster agreed.

The idea has spread across the country, with more and more areas signing up to take part. Households in the Stansted area can tune in to BBC Essex 95.3 FM, 103.5 FM at 6pm on December 16 to sing along. Hymn sheets can be downloaded at www.doorstepcarols.co.uk.

St Mary's is inviting people to share photos and videos of the carolling on its Twitter feed @stanstedstmarys.

Mr Curzon said: "A conversation was had between myself and the school council and I asked them who they felt would be the best beneficiary. The children said they knew of families who had struggled for food and so they decided to support Uttlesford Foodbank.

"It was a very sensible suggestion from them, which they came up with by themselves. They wanted something that would benefit as many people as possible, but local people, their friends and families.

"We know what it's like for some at our school and the thought of anyone going hungry is horrible, especially at Christmas," added the head.

So far, £45 has been donated towards the target of £300. To donate, visit https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/StMarysPrimarySchool.