Stockton Riverside College students have been hitting the high street in an effort to spread a little festive cheer among those less fortunate than themselves.

The painting and decorating and construction skills team headed out to deliver a hot drink and meal vouchers to the homeless in Stockton.

Course leader Tony Ferguson said: “The hope is that making contact with people in a worse position than they are will make our young people think twice when they are feeling hard done to getting up on a morning and getting that bus to college.

“It will make them realise how much harder life would be if they had spent the night on a park bench and knowing they will be doing the same the next night.”

The money was raised across the college with donations given to leave messages on a dedicated memory tree.

Student Ben, 17, of Stockton, said: “Being out in the cold makes you realise how important it is to be able to get a warm meal today.”

Callum, 17, of Billingham added: “It is Christmas and everyone is getting nice things. It is good to be able to give something back once in a while.”

Planning to continue to share the important message to college students, Tony said: “We will continue to go out during the winter months until we have used up all of the vouchers.

“Hopefully it will make our students more aware of how fortunate they are and more mindful of the homeless.”