STUDENTS who organised a weekly sweet raffle have raised £663 for charity.

Year 11 pupils at North Durham Academy, in Stanley, organised a Goodie Box, made up of sweets, biscuits and drinks and sold tickets to classmates.

On Thursday, they presented Katherine Cooper, from Willow Burn Hospice, at Maiden Law, with a cheque for the money raised.

Principal David Thornton said: “I am so proud of how our students and the amount that they have raised for Willow Burn Hospice.

“They are a great year group and this is typical of them, showing compassion for others and a desire to help. They are a credit to themselves and their families.”

The raffle was started in January last year when they the youngsters, who are currently taking GCSEs, were in year ten, with the help of their year manager Janet Hindle.

Ms Hindle said: “I thought at first the raffle may be short lived, however it became a weekly ritual and something the students looked forward to, many donating more for the cause than the actual raffle prize, such caring and thoughtful students who I am ever so proud of.”

Katherine Cooper, income generation and marketing manager at Willow Burn Hospice, said: “The support shown by the students is amazing and shows the local community spirit dedicated to Willow Burn Hospice.”