Downton Abbey creator says 'everything not fine' for many in Sherborne

• Watch teachers and fundraisers in Sherborne talk to ITV News' Ben McGrail

A project in Sherborne to support families living in deprivation has been expanded to support more across the town.

For the past five years Sherborne Primary School has been putting together boxes filled with food and supplies for the families of children who receive free school meals.

Since it began, the project has now been expanded to include three other schools with the aim of another being added next year.

The 2024 project was launched at the school by actor, writer and producer Julian Fellowes, who created Downton Abbey.

Speaking at the event, Lord Fellowes said: "Sherborne is a leafy, beautiful town - it's a sort-of archetypal leafy beautiful town in the wonderful countryside of England.

"In a way, of course, that's quite deceptive because you think everyone here must have more than enough and everything's fine but, of course, everything's not fine for a great many people."

Executive headteacher of Sherborne Primary School Ian Bartle said: "All the boxes represent a family that have a measure of deprivation in our school. Sadly it is a significant number, it's indicative of the cost of living crisis and it's something that all schools are facing across the country.

"The idea, really, is to spread joy and love and care at Christmas. It doesn't matter where you're from - we just love you and we want to help you."