Pupils take a walk ... to catch a bus

PUPILS from a Rawtenstall school put their best foot forward to raise funds to cover the running costs of a school minibus.

All staff, pupils and supporting staff at Alder Grange School took part in a challenging 10km trek around the borough to raise money towards for the upkeep and running costs of a school bus, which is needed for educational, sports and rewards trips.

Setting off in their year groups, pupils left school and headed towards Crawshawbooth, before walking across towards Weir, then back towards Marl Pits before making their way back to the school.

The walk comes on the back of a successful full school 10km walk held in April which saw £10,000 raised towards the cost of a minibus which is due to be delivered to the school at the end of the month.

Teachers have decided that they will now hold the walk as an annual event every October to try and raise £5,000 towards ●● Year 9 Alder Grange pupils Demi Joyce and Phoebe Parker with their certificates for completing the walk the cost of upkeep and fuel. Vanessa Holland, curriculum leader for PE who arranged the event, said the youngsters did really well.

She added: “After the success of our first walk we decided that we would hold an annual fundraising walk for all pupils and staff to take part in each October. The aim of the walk is to raise funds vital to keeping the minibus in in good running condition.

“The pupils all did really well, making it back to school in good time. The walk devised was extremely picturesque, and the feedback we’ve had from pupils was that they really enjoyed being out in the fresh air and spending time with their friends.”

Year 10 pupil Charlie Parkinson said: “I really enjoyed the route, it was good fun and it was nice to see parts of Rossendale that are nearby, but I’d never seen before.”

Jo Griffiths, head of school, said: “The new minibus will be a valuable addition to the school, and will allow even more opportunities for students to take part in activities such as fundraising days, theatre trips, activity weekends and more.

“We now need to ensure that we have ongoing funds to keep it in good working order so we can continue to reap the maximum benefit from of it.”