A "FANTASTIC" group of students at a Bradford school have gone the extra mile to support vulnerable people in their community.

Oasis Smiles, a team of student leaders at Oasis Academy Lister Park, put together over 100 support packs and delivered them to local organisations and families in Manningham.

The students, who range from being in Year 8 to Year 11, carried out the project "off their own backs", said the school's community hub leader, Jade Ibegbuna.

They delivered more than 100 packages to Abigail Housing, Bradford Central Foodbank, Millside Community Centre and Save the Mothers Trust, as well as over 40 to local families.

They also raised £575 - exceeding their fundraising target of £500 - in addition to supermarket donations, as well as community champion support, from Asda, Morrisons and Tesco.

"Our students have been brilliant and taken everything in their stride. They've done something really impactful", Ms Ibegbuna said.

"The idea was completely theirs, they dealt with all the logistics and really took ownership of the project, which is incredible."

The support packs consisted of food and hygiene products, and were designed to "make people feel valued", Ms Ibegbuna added.

"With Covid, the students had been apart for so long, and realised what isolation can do. They were able to relate in a way they couldn't before", she continued.

"It's the first time we've done a project which was completely student-led, and they've now left a legacy for other students to take the mantle and run with."

Ms Ibegbuna added that the students have also brought some "positive press" to Manningham, helping to "re-write the narrative" for an area which "often gets left behind".

"There's a perception that Manningham is a no-go area. But there are some wonderful people doing amazing things here, their voices just aren't heard. It's great that the students have managed to shine some light on the area, as it's something it needs and deserves", she said.

"Services need to listen to young people and not discount them. They bring perspectives that those in more senior or powerful positions don't necessarily see.

"A lot of confidence disappears when areas get labelled or tarnished, but now, their confidence is through the roof, and that's where we want it to stay.

"They've inspired the staff, our principal Mrs Dover and the community. The biggest achievement will be if we can keep that sense of inspiration and belief in what young people can do in a post-Covid world, as well."