The money was raised through a mufti day and Sixth Formers chose to support the charity, which provides food, shelter, safety and beds for 35 of Corby’s homeless each night during the winter months. The centre is staffed by 62 volunteers and centre manager, Ray Loakes, who has volunteered with the homeless for the past ten years.

He gave Mr Kirkbride and Mrs Smith a tour of the town centre building and explained how local companies, supermarkets, organisations and individuals donate food, clothing and other necessities to the shelter, which provides a safe and welcoming place for residents and local people in need of a hot meal who, otherwise, would go hungry or be sleeping rough or in unsafe conditions.

Afterwards Mr Kirkbride said: ‘It was a privilege to visit the shelter, meet some of the volunteers and hear more about the wide-ranging support and help they give to some of the most vulnerable members of our community. Our students and staff are incredibly passionate and proactive at raising charity money and I am sure we will continue to support this very worthwhile cause. It is clear to see the positive impact that this shelter has every single day for those local people who need it the most.’