It was thumbs up all round as pupils handed over a bumper cheque to Newham City Farm.

Youngsters from North Beckton Primary School in Harrier Way, Beckton, pulled on their trainers to take part in sponsored relay races which raised over £1,700 for the farm.

The school regularly visits the farm in Stansfeld Road, Beckton,which is home to a large collection of farmyard favourites including sheep and horses.

One of the farm’s residents, Shetland pony Jessie, joined Cllrs Patricia Holland and Ian Corbett to receive the generous gift on Wednesday.

Newham City Farm manager, Theresa Salmon, said: “We were just very surprised and humbled to know that we were valued that much that the kids would to do that.”

Theresa added that the farm has already decided how to spend the money.

“We have lots of projects on our wish list so it was not hard to think about what to do,” she said.

“We are hoping to replace our chicken flock and to finish a new enclosure for them.”