Pupils at Yarm school have spent the last few weeks raising more than £1,300 for good causes.

In the immediate aftermath of the Indian earthquake, sixth formers launched an appeal for help. Largely through the efforts of Jesse Stanley, a collection was held and a wind band concert organised. In all, £470 was raised for the quake victims.

Last week a non-uniform day raised £500 for all the charities the school supports. The money will be distributed to a number of pupil-chosen charities ranging from the Butterwick hospice to projects run by the charity Intermediate Technology.

Red Nose Day saw £100 being raised for Comic Relief. Part of this amount came from the raffling of a cap signed by England and Newcastle rugby star Jonny Wilkinson.

Then brave Philip Newbould, aged 12, abseiled 85ft down Durham fire station to bring in £220 for the Royal National Institute for the Blind.