A group of teenagers are raising money to help families affected by rare genetic conditions that often cause death in childhood.

Students at The Highcrest Academy, in Hatter’s Lane, High Wycombe has just selected the Society for Mucopolysaccharide Diseases (MPS Society) as its chosen charity for the year.

Through packing shopping bags and organising a collection at High Wycombe Sainsbury’s, in Oxford Road, the students hope to raise vital funds for the charity.

Vice principal Emma Bowden said: “Every year, Highcrest students select a different charity to back. The decision is made purely by the students based on presentations from a number of organisations.

"This year, we had another high-quality batch of submissions but the pupils decided in the end to go with the MPS Society.

“They were really impressed with the work carried out by this national charity which is based in Bucks.”

The MPS society, based in White Lion Road, Amersham was founded in 1982 and now has a team of 18 staff providing a wide range of support all over the UK.

Christine Lavery, MPS Society’s group CEO, said: “The MPS Society is thrilled to have been selected by Highcrest Academy as their nominated charity and we look forward to working with the pupils to raise much-needed funds and increase awareness.”