A GROUP of sixth-form students has come up with a new way of raising money for charity.

Students from Park View Community Way Sixth Form, in Chester-le-Street, have sold customised underwear to family and friends.

The project, for Enterprise Week, has earned them more than £215, which has been donated to charity.

The girls acquired batches of plain knickers and sewed sequins and stitched ribbons to them to create original designs.

Head of sixth form John Anderson said: "You can gauge how well they have done by the amount of money they have made.

"People enjoy the novelty of the idea and that is why it has been so successful.

"I am proud they have come up with such a good idea. They were very professional in everything they did and went about the business in a mature and organised way."

Members of the group are Candice Vayro, Kirsty Mc-Michael, Suzie Liddell, Jenny Morel, Michelle Rouse, Vicki Coulson and Rachel Anderson.

They have thanked BHS, Ethel Austen and Boyes for providing the plain underwear.

Kelly Taylor, a fundraiser for Marie Curie Cancer Care said: "The girls have all made a huge effort in planning, designing and preparing their business, with a lot of fun mixed in.

"They have made a great amount and I would like to thank them for their efforts."

Another group of students from the sixth form set up a business making and selling cakes. They managed to raise more than £100. The group consisted of Rachel Cranston, Laura Bowen, Lauren McGonley, Amanda Robson and Claire Jones.