A COUNCIL boss has written back to a class of children concerned about Oxford's homelessness crisis.

Year 3 pupils at Larkrise Primary School wrote to Oxford City Council earlier this month, urging the authority to open empty buildings to shelter the homeless.

The 29 pupils at the East Oxford school, aged seven and eight, addressed the council's chief executive Gordon Mitchell.

He has now written back to thank them.

The letter adds: "I also think that people sleeping in the streets is very worrying.

"During the recent snowfall and freezing weather we worked together with charities to offer beds for everyone, so no-one had to spend the night outside.

"We are always looking for empty buildings that might be used as shelter.

"Helping people less fortunate than ourselves is always very important.

"We recently had a meeting with charities, faith groups and homeless people so we could get ideas on what more we could all do to help, and we’ll be working hard on these in 2018."

The pupils wrote their letters as part of a class topic on human rights, and were inspired by activist Malala Yousafzai, who studies at Oxford University.

Mr Mitchell wrote: "She [Malala] is an inspiration to us all and I am very encouraged that you have been inspired by her. I hope you will all follow her example and work hard to get the things you want to see done."

He invited the class to visit the Old Fire Station arts centre in Oxford with him or a colleague, to learn about its work supporting homeless people.