STUDENTS touched by the tragedy of war have been fundraising for injured soldiers.

Northallerton College students served coffee, washed cars and organised raffles in aid of Help for Heroes, a national charity which is building a specialist centre for physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

Sixteen year olds Abi Holliman, Alex Kettlewell, Reece Wilkes and Ally Jefferson decided to help the cause as part of their certificate of personal effectiveness studies.

Abi had a particular interest in the project as her father is a paratrooper who has served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“I was very scared and worried as he lost some of his friends while he was there,” she said.

Teacher Cathy Farquhar said: “The students have done a great job and thrown themselves into supporting Help for Heroes and the RSPCA.”

Reece added: “I don’t think enough is done for returning soldiers. We just expect them to get on with normal life when they need extra support.”

Alex said: “As soon as Abi mentioned it I knew it as a worthwhile cause supporting the troops and their families.”

The money was handed over to Stewart McFarlane, the North-East representative for the charity Help for Heroes.

His son Ian is a colonel in the army responsible for building the Hedley Court rehabilitation centre.

He said: “Young people are often criticised but I know they do a lot of good work. The money they have raised will go to build a fantastic centre to help troops and make them feel valued.”