ALL 500 students from a Harrogate school have been presented with an iced lolly - in thanks for raising lots of "lolly" for charity.

Pupils from Harrogate Lad-ies College and its prep school, Highfield, became involved in projects to raise cash for Water Aid, and for the nearby Springwater School for children with special needs.

After the money was collected, they were able to present their chosen causes with a share of the £10,500 they raised themselves and a further £4,500 in matched funding provided by Yorkshire Water.

Money-spinning events included an autograph auction, when the signatures of Michael Caine, Eric Clapton and Leeds United players were among the lots, a quiz and a marathon Round Britain swim in the school pool by Marc Woods, who won a gold at the Sydney Paralympics in 2000.

"The results of the charity effort have exceeded all expectations," said head of science Damian Chubb.

"The pupils have worked extremely hard and we would like to thank the huge number of people and organisations who have supported us."