BARNSLEY College students have created crisp packet blankets to help keep the homeless warm overnight.

After taking part in lessons about global warming, students decided to collect and reuse crisp packets and turn them into blankets to help reduce the amount of single-use plastic going to landfill, whilst creating an effective method to protect the homeless from wet weather.

The scheme took six weeks, as the youngsters collected a great number of crisp packets from friends and family.

They donated 24 blankets to the Rough Sleeper Project and Barnsley Churches Drop-In charity.

Peter Mulrooney, treasurer of Barnsley Churches Drop-In, said: “The Barnsley Rough Sleeper Project goes out every night to support the homeless by providing them with items to meet their immediate needs.

“These blankets will give our volunteers the confidence to help the homeless by being able to provide them with a blanket to keep them warm and will insulate any sleeping bags they already have.”

Dafydd Cherry, headteacher for the 14-16 Direct Entry and Skills Academy, added: “As the college is continuously working hard to promote sustainability, this project was a perfect fit for the students to complete.

“I am immensely proud of the students and their achievements with this project.

“For the students to know that their work will have an impact within our town and our community, whilst supporting the people who really need our help is something they should all be proud of.”