Students from Kantor King Solomon High School in Barkingside have started volunteering with the British Pakistani Christian Association (BPCA).

The three teenagers will volunteer at least one afternoon a week with the association, for a year.

Last week, Year 8 pupils Hannah Chowdhry, Aliyah Kokkoz and Blessing Makimuli started their work with the BPCA, which is based in Green Lane, Ilford.

Their first project saw them build a Nativity scene which will be displayed in the association’s window.

Aliyah, 12, said she was excited to give back something to the community.

She said: “I’m really looking forward to it.

“I can’t wait to help out with the Easter parade next year.”

Wilson Chowdhry, BPCA chairman, said the art project was eagerly anticipated by residents.

He said: “It’s fantastic. We know it means a lot to people around us.”

The girls will transform recycled material into three wise men, a shepherd, mother Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus.

The project has been sponsored by printing company Ex Nihilo, and creative director Joel Kyari said he wanted to remind people of the real meaning of Christmas.

He said: “Being a Christian, I wanted to remind people of the true story behind the celebrations.

“It’s important; I think that the meaning has been lost.

“People loved it last year; they were constantly stopping to take photos.”

The students were inspired to start volunteering after learning about Yoni Jesner in a school assembly.

A volunteering scheme was set up in 2002 after the 19-year-old Glaswegian was killed in a suicide bomb blast in Tel Aviv.

Hannah said: “He was really inspiring and loved volunteering, so we wanted to do something.”