Prince’s Trust team smash fundraising target

Hand out a hoodie: The Prince’s Trust team at Ripon Grammar School, whose fund-raising initiatives including selling hoodies have raised more than £1,100

Enterprising pupils have smashed their own fundraising target with a host of money-making ideas to help other young people into jobs, education and training.

The Prince’s Trust team at Ripon Grammar School have raised more than £1,100 since September selling cakes and homemade chocolates, hosting a stall at the school Christmas Fair and running a Valentine's Ball for the sixth form at Solberge Hall.

The team brought their project to a close by handing out 134 personalised hoodies they ordered from local company You Name It and sold to pupils, with all profits going to the final fund for the Prince’s Trust.

Helen Elsworth, 17, of Thornton Steward, explained: "The school sold hoodies a few years ago and it was really successful so we thought we'd revive the idea. The hoodies have the school crest embroidered on them and pupils could choose to have their name or something else on the back.

"We had a long list of ideas for raising money and had to choose the ones that were the most feasible to do in school. We set a target of £1,000 so we're really pleased to have beaten it."

The 14-strong team, from the lower sixth and fifth year, met during Wednesday afternoon enrichment periods as well as at lunchtimes.

They are Poppy Jagger, Maya Mellor, Katherine Dale, Eve Ison, Annissa Cook, Isobel Jones, Chloe Rushworth, Alicia Bailey, Helen Elsworth, Freya Whiteside, Hannah Pease, Isabel Andrew, Natasha Lovel and Abigail Lovel.

Enterprise teacher Mr Walker said: "They worked very effectively as a team and now the fifth year pupils have the experience we hope it will inspire them to take on the challenge next year.

"It has helped them to develop their organisational and communication skills and involved a lot of commitment from the pupils. They would like to thank all parents, pupils and staff who have supported their various fundraising initiatives and will be handing over the proceeds soon to the Prince's Trust."