An innovative fundraising idea that brought a school and farming community together has raised thousands of pounds for Weardale pupils.
Parents who fundraise for Stanhope Barrington Primary School came up with the novel idea of holding a lamb auction to raise money for the school.
And they were overwhelmed by the generosity of local farmers who donated multiple lambs for the special sale at St John's Chapel Auction Mart on Saturday (November 19).
Stanhope schoolchildren went along to watch the auction and tend to the lambs and more than £3,000 was raised at the sale.
This was then doubled thanks to an anonymous donor who was ‘inspired’ by the generosity of the Weardale farming community.
Headteacher Deb Cross was delighted with the outcome and said: “The atmosphere was amazing and it was lovely to see so many of our children there taking part in the sale to support their own school.
“Over £3,100 was raised through the sale of lambs; cash in collection buckets; handing back of luck money; donation made by the mart; forgoing of commission by the mart and really kind donations from many people.
“I wasn’t the only one who was overwhelmed by the support our school received.
“On Monday we received an anonymous donation of £3,000 which was ‘inspired by the generosity of our farming community’.
“Whoever you are please know how much this fantastic donation is appreciated.”
Mrs Cross said alongside the ‘phenomenal’ amount of money raised, there were lots of other positive outcomes from the event.
This included the great atmosphere at the mart itself which saw non-farming families get involved in the workings of a livestock auction.
The event also demonstrated to the pupils how the Weardale community pulls together in times of need in a celebration of the area’s rich farming heritage.
Mrs Cross added: “Myself and the team cannot begin to express our gratitude – this money, over £6,100, will make a huge difference to every child in every class.
“Our top priority is currently to get 15 new iPads for the school and this just wouldn’t be possible without this amazing fundraising event.”
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