PUPILS at Thomas Keble School broke all records with this year’s sponsored walk, raising more than £12,000 for a host of good causes.

Among those set to benefit from the annual event, which has taken place at the school every year since it first opened, include Winston’s Wish, the National Encephalitis Trust and St Roses Hydrotherapy Pool.

Sponsorship raised by the pupils for the walk, which starts at the school and continues through Bussage and Brownshill for around six miles, smashed last year’s record by more than £2,000.

Head teacher Chris Steer, who has always maintained close links with St Roses school, said: “At a time when people are often critical of the young, or cynical about the world, this achievement should make us all think carefully and applaud genuine active citizenship.

"We are proud of our pupils and grateful for the generous support of families and friends."

Representatives from the Cobalt Breast Clinic £one Million Appeal, the National Encephalitis Trust and St Roses School have since visited pupils to explain more about the work they carry out, and the NSPCC and medical development charity LEPRA are visiting this month. “I think it is vitally important for charity giving to have a fully rounded purpose,” said Chris.

“It is also motivational, because Thomas Keble pupils can now go into Christmas knowing they have made a difference.”