Students from Ely College presented money to a local charity that provides palliative care and day support for those suffering life limiting illnesses.

Scott House visited the Arthur Rank Hospice Charity to present them with a cheque for £429 raised this year.

Students enjoyed a tour of the new hospice facilities and gardens and told how they were all pleased to see how their fund raising efforts were being put to good use to benefit those in need.

Principal of Ely College, Richard Spencer, said: “Pledges and futures days are so important because they play a vital part in helping our students to develop empathy as well as more tangible skills such as the teamwork and responsibility that comes with event planning.

“Handling cash with an insight into customer service and building communications skills that will benefit them throughout their lives, preparing them for life beyond the classroom.

“We are delighted with how the students have embraced their house charities this year and we look forward to running fund raisers for them throughout the year.”

As part of the Cambridge Meridian Academies Trust’s pledges system, Ely College held a charities day dedicated to fund raising.

Through fund raising students work towards their pledges or broaden their experiences as they work towards their future careers.

Pledges were introduced at Ely College last year and are vital in ensuring students leave college as well-rounded individuals, to support their academic and career paths.

Students are encouraged to develop character and responsibility that can be taken into their adult life.

In the lead up to the big charity day, the students came together in their form groups and Houses to vote for their House charities for the year.

The students of Scott House voted to support the Arthur Rank Hospice Charity.

Charities Day saw the school site divided into event areas with a food court, media zone, disco and even a haunted house.

There was soak the teacher, glitter makeovers, cake sales, karaoke and elfie selfie stations.

The event was well supported by the local community, with Gourmet Brownie and the Ely Fire Service joining in the fun to raise money.