UNIVERSITY students have been finding innovative ways to raise funds for a charity based in Stroud.

The chosen charity, Ronan's Trust, offers outdoor gardening and creative workshops as therapy and comfort for those bereaved.

Emma Tyler who founded the charity gave a presentation to 70 students at the University of the West of England (UWE).

The group who are studying through  Bristol City Community Trust were then divided into teams.

Each team was tasked with the two-day challenge of raising the greatest amount of funds, while researching how best to raise awareness of the Trust around Bristol.

In two days of fundraising the results were exceptional and they raised a combined total of £2,800 for the Trust.

The students also provided a great new insight into marketing and fundraising ideas for the future.

Emma was delighted with the outcome of the challenge and believed the process had been a valuable learning experience.

“An enormous thank you to everyone involved in this challenge,” said Emma.

"Teaching business students about working with the third sector at this level has proved invaluable to us.

“I cannot tell you how delighted I am to have had the privilege of working alongside such inspiring young people.

“Most of all, it is my hope that Ronan's Trust continues to work with the university and to see a student's bereavement garden not only there, but also at colleges all over the UK."