THE charity Scope received a boost to its fundraising efforts thanks to a cheque for more than £1,800 raised by pupils at Barrow Hills School, in Witley.

Funds were raised as part of the school’s Lent appeal. This year the children, aged from two to 13, were in charge of the fundraising initiative, chosing the charity and deciding on activities to suit different ages at the school.

Activities for the younger children included a sponsored trike ride, an obstacle course, a pancake race and running laps around the pre-Prep garden. Older pupils walked two miles across public footpaths in fancy dress to neighbouring partner school King Edward’s Witley, created work for the Barrow Hills Lent booklet sold in aid of Scope, a ‘Rounders in Onesies’ match and a car wash.

Accepting the cheque at a presentation during a recent school assembly Julie Sanders from the Scope charity shop in Haslemere said: “We are absolutely thrilled to receive this donation and the commitment, as well as creative thinking demonstrated by the children at Barrow Hills has resulted in a truly impressive fundraising achievement.

“The money donated to Scope will be put to good use, helping those with a learning disability enjoy the same opportunities as everyone else.” The remainder of the £2,549.64 raised in total through the activities was shared between Guide Dogs for the Blind; Stepping Stones special school in Hindhead, and CAFOD, the official Catholic aid agency for England and Wales.