KIND schoolchildren in Leominster held a collection to help boys and girls their own age who are fleeing persecution.

The pupils, at Leominster Primary School had been learning about the current refugee crisis and, when they realised that children just like them were being forced to leave their homes due to war, they decided they wanted to help.

They held an assembly and organised a collection which saw families donate sleeping bags and blankets, warm coats and cuddly toys.

The school said in a statement: "Staff at the school were overwhelmed by the empathy and kindness that the children showed and the generosity of the families who donated items."