STUDENTS have been doing their bit to help a homeless charity, aiming to provide 1,000 Christmas dinners for people out on the streets.

Art and design students at South Essex College used the Southend campus’s giant screen to highlight Harp’s Christmas Meal Appeal.

The display involves 82 students, each of whom appears on the screen with a food item they are donating to the Echo-backed appeal.

The screen can be seen by hundreds of people every day, so the students decided it would be an ideal way to help the appeal.

Student Jess Monk, 18, said: “As the charity is local to Southend, we can actually see how we’re helping to make a difference.”

Course leader Dan Fardell added: “We wanted to make people aware of this big problem, as not everyone can afford to have a luxurious Christmas.

“Some people are living on the streets and we want to help them in any way we can.”

Harp’s volunteering manager Tony Dunn said the charity was immensely grateful for the students’ support.

He added: “It’s fantastic, in terms of food donations and of helping to increase our profile and widen our support base in the area.”

The college’s Basildon, Southend and Thurrock sites also took part in Christmas Jumper Day, in support of those less fortunate over the festive season, raising money for Save the Children and collecting supplies for local food banks.

Principal Angela O’Donoghue said: “Christmas is a joyous time for many to spend with their friends and family, but sadly, it can be an extremely difficult time for those in need.

“It is times such as this our students and staff really show their generous side and do what they can to help others less fortunate.”