STUDENTS at Dean Academy in Lydney raised money for the children’s charity Whizz-Kidz last week by showing off their talents in a Spring Showcase event for friends and family.

GCSE drama students Zac Arnold, Lily Shilston and Chloe Payne organised the evening to give students the opportunity to showcase their performance skills. The audience was treated to a contemporary dance performance from Year Seven student Chloe Watts, music from the academy’s jazz band Graften Funk, various solo performances and a short play which was written, performed and directed by members of the academy’s drama club.

The event was part of an ongoing campaign by students to raise money for Whizz-Kidz, a charity which aims to improve the quality of life for disabled children. Year Eight student Bradley Hodgson, who uses a wheelchair and is a Whizz-Kidz ambassador, spoke about how the charity organises fun days out for children across the country providing transport and access.

Deputy headteacher, Craig Burns says: “It has been a privilege to support Whizz-Kidz over the past few months. I am really proud of our students for their hard work and commitment. They organised a fantastic event and raised well over £1,000. We have some fabulous talent here at the academy and we were honoured to showcase it for our parents and the wider community.”

•See this week’s Review for more photographs.