A SCHOOL'S headteacher praised pupils for working hard to help less fortunate youngsters in Africa.

Redcar Community College pupils raised £800 through various sponsorship events to help schoolchildren in Uganda. The local Round Table was so impressed it made the money up to £1,000. The cash will be sent to Uganda via the New Beginnings for Children charity, which is involved in projects in the country.

College principal Gary Hanrahan said: "I am very proud of them. They generated this themselves."

The college received a visit last year from a group of Ugandan children who marvelled at the school's computers and facilities when they struggle to buy enough text books.

The Redcar school has special performing and visual arts status and their Ugandan visitors introduced them to African music and drama.