Students from a Leeds school have come to aid of local pensioners stranded in their homes during the recent severe snowfalls.

The hamlet of Fulneck was virtually cut off on Monday, leaving many local residents unable to access the shops in nearby Pudsey, in order to purchase necessities such as bread and milk.

However, a small army of community-spirited students from Fulneck School volunteered clear paths and driveways, using shovels and sledges in order to make the roads accessible again.

Three boarders – Samken Kabinga, Zaraar Zahid and Kelvin Odunuyi – went even further in the efforts by staging a “mercy dash” into Pudsey to purchase shopping for some of Fulneck’s elderly residents.

The intrepid trio took it upon themselves to knock on each door within the neighbouring Moravian settlement, compiling a shopping list and then braving the icy chill to collect supplies for those who were unable to get to the shops themselves.

Fulneck Principal Deborah Newman said: “All too often you only read negative stories about young people. Here we have a classic example of three teenagers demonstrating true community spirit.

“Zaraar, Samken and Kelvin have certainly lived up to the values and morals taught at Fulneck. They are a real credit to the school.”

“It wasn’t a big deal,” said Kelvin. “It’s really difficult for old people when the weather is like this so it was the least we could do.”

Zaraar said: “We were concerned that some of the older residents might struggle to get out because of the weather. I really enjoyed having the opportunity to help some of them.”

• Founded in 1753, Fulneck School is an historic independent school for boys and girls aged three to 18. Located in the Leeds suburb of Pudsey, West Yorkshire, in the heart of England, the school is set within a peaceful village community and settlement dating back to 1739. With a strong Christian ethos, it consists of three schools, Pre-Prep, Junior and Senior.

