A school helped feed the homeless after closing its doors for the day.

Blatchington Mill School in Nevill Avenue, Hove, was one of dozens of schools across the county to shut yesterday.

Having dismissed the students and staff at about 10.30am due to the worsening weather conditions, bosses was faced with a canteen full of baguettes, fruit salads and pasta salads set to be served out to the students at breaktime.

Rather than see the fresh food thrown away, the school contacted First Base, a day centre for homeless people in Montpelier Place, Brighton.

It will be served to the 30 people who are using the emergency night shelter during the freezing conditions.

Headteacher Janet Felkin said: “It is important for us to help those in our local community and we did not want to see this food go to waste.

“Our hope is that this small token will be of some help to those who find themselves vulnerable during these winter months.”

Ms Felkin sent out a message to all other schools in the area which might also be able to make such a contribution.

She added she hoped this policy will be implemented in the future.