Students at Sheringham High School have raised nearly �2,000 for the Gambia Pencil Project, a charity based in the town that supports children from some of the poorest families in African country, enabling them to go to school.

The charity also raises funds to repair school buildings and improve educational resources.

The money was raised by students and staff during the school's charities week through a range of out-of-lesson activities and sponsored events. The highlight of the week was a Gunge a Teacher session and some star-studded performances in Sheringham's Got Talent.

Headteacher Tim Roderick said 'The students chose the charity themselves and were, quite simply, wonderful in the way they came together to raise money.

'Students wanted to make an important difference and enable others to get an education. Thanks to their magnificent efforts children will now be able to go to school for the first time and a whole new classroom will be built. I am immensely proud of our students. It clearly demonstrates the very positive work being undertaken by young people today'.

Janet Teather of The Gambian Pencil Project said 'We are totally overwhelmed by the amount of money the students have raised. I can't thank the school enough. The students are wonderful.'