More than 1700 gifts have been distributed to Stoke-on-Trent-based charities, including the NSPCC and the Hubb Foundation, with the first batch delivered to our academy last week in a JCB digger!

Making the present drop-off even more special was having Olympian Adam Burgess visit again. Adam achieved a silver medal at this summer's Paris games and recently visited us and brought along his medal for us to see. Harry Kirby, a fellow member of Stafford and Stone Canoe Club also came and both athletes lent a helping hand delivering the presents they wrapped to excited pupils at the school.

Adam said: “It’s brilliant to be involved with the JCB Christmas Toy Appeal again. It was a really rewarding experience last year, especially seeing the kids’ faces light up as they opened their gifts. I had a great childhood and always had presents at Christmas, so it’s really great to be a part of this, which gives something back in our local area.”

Hubb Foundation School Relationship Manager, Tana Owen, said: “It’s incredible to have more than 1700 presents - there are going to be so many happy children in Stoke-on-Trent when we get these delivered. I’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone at JCB for these gifts.”

Harry Kirby added: “As a youngster I always had presents to open at Christmas so it’s s great to be involved with the JCB Christmas Toy Appeal which is helping children who aren’t quite as fortunate as I was as a child.”

Head of School, Kirsty Suleman, said: “We’re really privileged to have had this donation towards our school and it was absolutely wonderful to see the children’s faces when they opened the presents. We’ve worked in partnership with the Hubb Foundation and JCB for many years and we really are so thankful for the support.”