A TEAM of students has put in more than 1,000 hours of volunteer work during the past academic year.

The Pathways group from Darlington College has decorated a church, carried out allotment work, picked litter and collected Easter eggs during the past nine months.

Students received certificates at a ceremony to thank them for their efforts, which included raising £345 for a water aid charity.

Many of the students have also sent letters to soldiers in Afghanistan as part of their community work.

College principal Tim Grant said: "These students set a great example to us all, and they are led by an excellent and committed team of college staff, and they all deserve credit for their efforts."