YEAR 11 student leaders at Dean Academy have presented a former student with a £1,000 cheque for the charity Skillshare International.

The skillful fundraisers organised various events including a cake sale, concert and a non-uniform day for Katie Hodgkinson, who is embarking on a 10 week volunteering trip to Lesotho in South Africa, to work with children and help raise awareness of AIDS and HIV.

Molly Bretnall, who is on the student leadership team, said: "It's really important to support worldwide charities as well as local ones."

Skillshare International is an organisation that works in partnership with communities in Africa and Asia to reduce poverty, injustice and inequality.

Katie added: "I would like to say a massive thank you to the students at the Dean Academy for both the money they raised and for their support. The project I'm working on aims to educate people about HIV and AIDS and develop life and leadership skills in young people.

"It is a unique opportunity to work alongside people from a different culture, to fight poverty and make a difference where it's needed most. I'm really excited to get out there and to share what I have learnt when I return."

Vice principal, Craig Burns commented: "It was a privilege to support Katie who is an inspiring role model for our students. I am particularly proud of our student leadership team who have worked hard to raise funds for Skillshare International. We are also thankful to members of the local community and our own academy staff who supported us by baking cakes or donating raffle prizes."