Nearly 300 ‘legends’ at Poole High School are receiving a very special thank you for their “outstanding efforts” during the lockdown.

Ric Exley was commissioned by the school’s senior leadership team to source, pack and arrange delivery of The Legends Box to 280 teachers and support staff.

Each box contains at least 16 food and drink products with a note saying: ‘Thank you for being such a legend during Lockdown 3 from the Senior Leadership Team’.

Paul Gray, Headteacher, pictured left, said: “Our support staff and teachers have worked tirelessly to ensure virtually every child and young person was highly engaged in their learning in every lesson, every day throughout this lockdown.

“Their efforts, including frequent wellbeing calls to every student and motivational praise points via parents, can only be described as legendary.

“We made almost 12,000 calls home during this lockdown alone, and it feels as if our relationship with home, albeit remote, is stronger than ever.”

Jeff Hart, Chair of Governors, added: “It has been quite remarkable to see the outstanding efforts of all staff to manage these unprecedented times.

“The students have benefited enormously and they show their appreciation by very high attendance rates.

“The staff have been quick-thinking, resourceful and caring in meeting the needs of the student body.”

Ric came up with the idea of The Legends Box last November as a way of saying thank you to friends, family and colleagues.

All the food and drink products are generously donated free of charge by companies in Dorset and beyond.

Proceeds go to charity with £9,500 raised for The Trussell Trust in the four-week run-up to Christmas after the sale of 900 boxes.

Money from the Poole High School box is being donated to the mental health charity, Dorset Mind.

Dee Swinton, Dorset Mind’s Income Generation & Marketing Manager, pictured right, said: “We’re extremely grateful for this generous support from Ric, especially when we’ve seen referrals for mental ill health shoot up and funding challenging.

“What’s even nicer is The Legends Box will also boost the morale of teaching staff at Poole High, worthy recipients and keyworkers helping to keep the economy going in the pandemic.

“Our huge thanks to Ric.

“Rest assured the donation will help us support the mental health of people in our local community.”

Dorset companies providing products or support for Ric’s latest The Legends Box include the Great British Biscotti Co, Katies Food Co, Brands From Africa and Olives et Al.

Ric, 48, spent several days at a Poole hall sorting and individually packing the boxes which were delivered by DPD Local.

He said: “It’s a win-win with the staff at Poole High School receiving a box of amazing food and drink products and money from the proceeds going to charity.

“Once again the companies I’ve contacted have stepped up to the mark and been happy to donate.

“They’ve been incredibly generous again.

“I chose Dorset Mind because for many, including me, one of the biggest challenges of the pandemic and lockdowns has been mental health.

“Everyone has a tale to tell and we’ve all seen the effects of the past year on our friends and family.

“I know of people who have contacted Dorset Mind and they’ve been a big help.

“It’s a great charity and I’m only too happy to support them.”

The last of the boxes are expected to be delivered to Poole High School staff by this weekend.