SCHOOLCHILDREN from Newport have been spreading joy during Lent.

The Mini Vinnes, a group of volunteers from St Patrick's RC Primary School in Fairfax Road, Newport, came up with the idea of doing 'random acts of kindness' during period before Easter.

All the youngsters at the school were tasked with brightening someone's day, and came up with ideas such as leaving flowers on a doorstep or dropping off a box of chocolates and a get well soon card at the Royal Gwent Hospital - all marked with a label so whoever found them knew where they were from.

Deputy headteacher Sarah Euden said: "We have had an amazing response and the sheer amount of kindness our pupils and their families have shown is incredible.

"We are very proud of the children. This has proven so popular that some of the children are coming back for more labels so that they can spread even more joy.

"The children were asked not to do this for thanks and praise and to make their act of kindness anonymous but we have had some lovely responses from the public who have made the effort to track down our school and contact us.

"We had one email from a doctor at the Royal Gwent Hospital saying that a box of chocolates and a get well soon card 'brought a huge smile to our patients face, and a spark of joy during a miserable time. It also lifted all of the medical and nursing teams spirits after a very difficult day'. We also had a phone message from a resident on Christchurch Road who received a bunch of tulips on her doorstep and she said, 'Thank you very much, this has really brightened my day'."