Students and staff at High Wycombe school have been praised after raising thousands of pounds for charities over the last five years.

The Highcrest Academy, in Hatters Lane, has chosen a different charity partner to raise funds for each academic year since 2013, with the scheme being hailed a huge success by the school after it handed out more than £6,000 to good causes as a result.

The latest charity to benefit was South Bucks Hospice, in High Wycombe, which provides services for people with life-limiting conditions.

Students from all year groups took part in a series of fun activities over the 2017-18 school year, raising a total of £1,373.60.

The cash was handed over at an assembly to the hospice’s community fundraiser, Ben O’Keefe.

He said: “We are so grateful to the students and staff at The Highcrest Academy for supporting us as their charity of the year. They showed so much enthusiasm and passion for the cause and raised much-needed funds for our patients and services.”

The money for the hospice was raised through events such as a bag pack at Morrisons, a Year 7 disco, two general non-uniform days, a muffin sale, an Easter egg raffle, two Sixth-Form non-uniform days and a talent show.

Partner charities are chosen at the start of each autumn term. The school normally invites in three nominated organisations to present a short pitch.

A panel of students then interviews them and selects the one they think is most appropriate for the future year.

Joe Clarke, assistant headteacher, said: “We are extremely proud of the work that has been completed by our students and school staff to raise funds for a number of local charities over the last few years.

“The generosity and commitment shown by all highlights how much we value the contribution of these charities and we look forward to making this year our record year for fundraising at The Highcrest Academy.”