Kind hearted school children gave up there weekend to spend time with housebound pensioners battling loneliness over Christmas.

Pupils from Buxton School in Leytonstone, East London, spent last Saturday delivering hampers to elderly, many of whom are too frail to leave their homes.

But rather than just drop off the goodies- stuffed full of treats such as chocolate and biscuits, as well as blankets to keep warm during the icy weather- the youngsters spent time chatting and swapping stories.

The Year 7s, all aged 11, volunteered for the day out after being inspired by a school assembly about loneliness in the elderly during the festive period.

Amber Bowden, 11, from Leytonstone, said: "A lot of young people find it hard to know what it feels like to be older. They don't know what it must be like to be on your own all the time.

"But when you put yourself in their shoes and you think what it would be like to feel that lonely then it really makes you want to help. That is what the school have done for us and that is why we are here.

"I really enjoyed it. They had a lot of stories to tell about what school life used to be like in East London and they really enjoyed hearing what it is like now."

Classmate Hollie Walsh, 11, also from Leytonstone, said: "I really enjoyed the day. It is great that the school don't just teach you the academic subjects but they also teach you how to be a good person. That is very important to me.”

Nearly a quarter of elderly people say they are not looking forward to Christmas because of loneliness, according to research released by Age UK earlier this month.

Daisy Munt, 82, said: "I can't get out so much because of my bad leg. Seeing these young people and chatting them and getting all those wonderful treats has made my day. They are little wonders."

Retired workers said it was the ‘highlight’ of their day when the girls visited.

Head teacher Katherine Wheeler said: "Christmas is a very special time for many people, but not everybody.

“Our students care about others and have actively engaged in this project to bring some cheer to our community, where people maybe alone and needing support during the festive period.”