STUDENTS from a Darlington college lived less privileged lives for two days when they had to live on a dollar.

Members of the Fair Trade group at Carmel RC Technology College marked the global White Band Day initiative by living on a dollar - about 70p - for two days, to see how poverty-stricken people in the Third World live.

The 12 students had to manage their money so they could afford to eat and get to school. They were not allowed to use free school transport, and some had to tackle a long walk each day.

The college also turned its library into a post office, and more than 200 students e-mailed Christmas cards to Prime Minister Tony Blair, asking him not to forget those in absolute poverty.

Student Sarah McDonogh, 16, said: "Christmas is a time of plenty for most of us, we felt it was important not to forget that millions of people go hungry every single day."