A GROUP of young people have raised more than £1200 for the Stroud District Foodbank.

The team of 13 teens made up mostly of Archway Sixth form pupils handed over a cheque to chair of the charity Brian Oosthuysen on Friday morning.

They have taken time out of their summer holidays to raise money as part of their National Citizen Service programme, which is a voluntary personal and social development programme for 16 and 17-year olds in the UK.

It marked the culmination of two weeks dedicated work and planning, and a series a fundraising events.

Organiser, Tiegan Bingham-Roberts, said: “We are delighted that we managed to raise so much money and awareness for this local cause, and it wouldn't have been possible without the local support we received along the way.”

Last Tuesday the youngsters held a food fete on Archway School, which saw the playing field transformed with more than 10 stalls, a raffle, outdoor game and a cinema.

The fete received support from a number of local businesses, including Stroud Brewery and Woodruffs Organic Cafe, as well as MP Neil Carmichael., and raised more than £250.

Mr Carmicahel said: “It’s great to see young people getting involved in community activities like these and taking up the opportunities provided with the NCS. I was also pleased to see local companies, such as Dairycrest, supporting the group with raffle prizes.” 

The previous week the team also spent hours packing bags at Waitrose in Stroud.

For more information email ncs.syfproject@gmail.com or call 07825781423.