The fundraising exploits of students at a High Wycombe school will help to feed horses at a Buckinghamshire sanctuary which has been hit by a hay shortage.

Pupils at The Highcrest Academy chose The Horse Trust, in Speen, as their charity partner in September and have raised almost £1,000 so far.

The trust said the cash will be of “major benefit” to the herd after weather conditions in 2018 caused a large increase in hay prices.

Alice Morgan, director of fundraising and marketing at the charity, said: “The Horse Trust are thrilled that The Highcrest Academy have chosen us as their charity of the year and look forward to making this into a fruitful partnership which will benefit all of our horses, ponies and donkeys.

“The students have already done an outstanding job in getting out into the community and fundraising. The money raised will all go towards the care of our horses at of Home of Rest in Speen.

“This will be particularly helpful as the harsh winter and hot summer of 2018 has meant we have a hay shortage and prices have sky rocketed.

“It will help us to ensure we have enough forage to feed our over-140 strong herd, and for that we couldn’t be more grateful.”

Each academic year since 2013, Highcrest has chosen a different charity partner to raise funds for. Over the years, more than £6,000 has been handed out to good causes as a result.

However, the school says this year’s fundraising campaign is, so far, proving one of the most successful.

Money has been raised through a sponsored silence, a cake sale, selling hot chocolate, a disco, a bag pack, a non-uniform day and a staff Christmas jumper day.

Assistant head teacher Joe Clarke said: “I said previously that we look forward to making this year our record year for fundraising at The Highcrest Academy, and already the students are making this come true.

“I am really proud and delighted at the way they have risen to the challenge, and we are very pleased that their efforts can have such a beneficial impact on the horses.”