PUPILS have been getting into the festive spirit by collecting household goods for charity.

Children from Town End Primary School, in Sunderland, have been learning about reusing and recycling household goods rather than throwing them away as part of the Schools and Charities (Sacs) initiative.

The Sacs initiative aims to collect toys, books, clothes and other items for charity.

WasteWise, which is supported by the County Durham Environmental Trust through the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme, has been working with primary schools across Sunderland as part of Environmental Action Week.

During the week, pupils aged from three to 16 collected clothes, toys and books, which have been donated to Barnardos and nine other charities for sale in charity shops.

In the past five years, WasteWise has worked with pupils from more than 200 schools in County Durham and Sunderland to spread the message about recycling and sustainable living.