SECONDARY school pupils in Flintshire have ditched their traditional Secret Santa to help those youngsters who face waking up on Christmas Day with nothing under the tree.

Year 9 pupils from Mold’s Alun School usually celebrate Christmas with Secret Santa, but after learning of the shocking statistics and the number of children that will not receive a gift on Christmas Day, they decided to do something good for the community, by helping vulnerable families this festive season.

The teenagers of form group 9PE met with the founder of North Wales Super Kids, Margaret Williams MBE, who explained the various situations such as domestic violence, critical and terminal illness, and mental health issues that will affect families across North Wales having a picture-perfect Christmas.

Students presented the Mrs Williams with a cheque and bags of toys which they had donated in lieu of gifts to each other.

Form tutor Miss Edwards was extremely proud of her tutor group for choosing to donate and help those in need, at what should be a magical and enjoyable time for children and their families.

She said: “The students were very pleased to hear that their donations would help make a difference and ultimately light up a life this Christmas.”

The Leader previously reported that generous members of the public have been praised by Margaret for helping to make sure children across North Wales receive presents this Christmas thanks to the hundreds of donations received by the charity appeal.

Mrs Williams said she expects the charity has already surpassed its figures from last year, when it sent presents to 1,616 youngsters.

“There are just so many families that are being referred to us in crisis,” she said.

“I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us. These bags relieve some of the stress on these families who are faced with not having Christmas for their children.”