FUNDRAISING students at Lakes College have collected over £300 to help out Egremont's homeless hostel.

Business pupils organised a number of events, including a market at the Lillyhall college and a stall at Workington's Christmas lights switch-on, to raise money for CalderWood House.

"We chose to help a local charity because you know where the money is going and how it will be spent," said Laura-Jade Bennett, 18, who led the project. "All the money we’ve raised will go towards helping local people.

"The staff at CalderWood House have been great - they took us on a tour around the house and explained how the charity operated. Our tutor has also been really helpful and supportive throughout the whole process."

The fundraising event was part of the students' final coursework, with many of them now going on to study management courses at university.

Lakes College Business tutor Louise Jenkin said: "All the money they've raised is down to Laura and her group's hard work.

"All the learners found it a valuable experience in doing something for others, and it's great that they’ve taken the opportunity to give something back to the community."

And principal Chris Nattress said: "We'd like to congratulate all our business students on their hard work and the effort they put in to raising the money for CalderWood House."