STUDENTS from Durham University have taken part in an annual event to raise funds for research into meningitis.

They left the city dressed in a variety of silly costumes to descend on the capital to take part in London Loot.

For two days they collected cash on the Tube and mainline train stations as well as on the city's streets.

They collected £5,245, which helped the grand total reach £35,792, beating last year's total by nearly £10,000.

A spokesman for the Meningitis Research Foundation said: "We're extremely grateful for all the hard work the students put in.

"The money they raised will help the foundation fund vital scientific research."