Youngsters aged 16 and 17 have been volunteering to support nuns in their valuable work at two men’s homeless hostels in the city.

The dedicated teens bring dozens of shopping bags packed with food, clothes and toiletries, and team up with The Mother Teresa Missionaries based in Pollok.

The group then spend hours at The Bellgrove Hotel and Salvation Army Men’s Hostel, both in the Gallowgate area, and dish out hot soup, along with their supplies, to the desperate men who call the run-down hostels home.

More than 60 pupils from St Peter the Apostle High School have ditched partying and given up their free time for this worthwhile project which began last December.

Hope Ross, Ryan Miller, Emma Monaghan and Jordan Murray, all aged 17, were the latest to volunteer at the hostels on Saturday, October 4.

The trips have been a real eye-opener for pupils and Ryan admitted he was shocked at the levels of poverty and struggles these homeless men face.

He said: “I have never seen anything like this before.

“We brought some clothes with us, but there never seems to be enough of what they need to go round. New socks, warm coats, shoes, hats, scarves and gloves are the most coveted goods.” He added: “Of course the food and clothes were important, and they were extremely grateful. But what made the biggest difference to these men, I think, was the fact that we took the time to chat. We listened to their stories, sometimes biting our lips to hold back tears, and took an interest in their lives.” Rachel Linden, 17, who helped out several months ago, said: “I wasn’t prepared for how big an impact it would have on me. It was truly devastating to see the conditions that these men live in and how difficult their lives must be.” She added: “It truly puts our own small troubles into perspective.” The initiative has captured the imagination of the entire school community — with donations coming from relatives, parishes, parents’ workplaces, collections from all school year groups, teachers and support staff.

A minibus full of goods accompanies the pupils on their visits and they have been raising awareness of the project through presentations, social media and spreading the word at local churches.

The charity Shelter Scotland helps over half a million people a year struggling with bad housing or homelessness.

This week the organisation’s bosses heaped praise on the pupils for their “heart-warming” efforts to raise awareness of homelessness problems.

said: “It is heart-warming to hear of these pupils raising awareness of the tragedy of homelessness.

“Campaigning for better housing for all is something Shelter Scotland has been doing for almost 40 years in Glasgow and our Glasgow community hub hosts our free national helpline and money and debt advice services.

“The latest Scottish Government figures show that between April and June this year 330 people were assessed as homeless in West Dunbartonshire with 239 households waiting in temporary accommodation for a permanent home.

“Anyone who is experiencing bad housing or homelessness should contact us on 0808 800 4444 or online at shelterscotland.org.”