THE response to an appeal to keep Glasgow pupils warm has “surpassed” expectations – with an incredible 3000 clothing items donated.

Last month we put out the call for good quality coats and jumpers to help youngsters wrap up in cold classrooms.

Covid-19 safety advice means windows must be kept open for ventilation – leaving some pupils struggling.

But an appeal from Glasgow City Council and the Glasgow Times has seen overwhelming generosity from parents, businesses, charities and kind-hearted locals.

One small businesses, Aspire Academy Glasgow, gave £2000-worth of sweatshirts, on top of a donation of PPE.

Gail McCarthy, business development manager at the company, said: “We are delighted to take part in the Keeping Warm in Glasgow campaign.

“Every year we give back to schools across Glasgow and the West during the festive period.

“However, due to Covid-19 restrictions we couldn’t deliver to the schools who usually participate.

“As a school uniform company based in Hillington, we decided the best way to reach the wider community was to collaborate with Maureen McKenna and Glasgow City Council and donate more than £2000 worth of sweatshirts to assist with those who needed them most – particularly as schools are participating in more outdoor learning and more ventilation within classrooms.

“This allows 200 pupils to benefit from our donation which is a huge positive on its own.

“We are more than just poloshirts and school skirts – we believe in making a difference to our local area and stepping up to make a positive impact to our schools during a difficult period.”

Simon Community Scotland gave a donation of small coats it had received, while St Andrew’s Church in Bearsden made a large donation after an appeal to its community.

Alison Mitchell, headteacher of Rosshall Academy, said: “Thank you so much to everyone who has been involved in the Keeping Warm in Glasgow donation campaign.

“Schools are all following current government safety guidance to keep rooms well ventilated, so it is important that we do all we can, particularly as the weather has turned colder, to ensure every pupil is warm enough to learn comfortably in each class or when they are learning outdoors, as all PE classes are required to be outside at the moment.”

She added: “The donations of winter clothes and jackets we received last week have already been distributed to many young people and they are much appreciated by the pupils and their families.

“Thank you all for your kindness during these exceptional times.”

Friday is the last chance to donate items, which can be handed in at Glasgow Life community centres around the city from 9am til 4pm.