Staff and pupils have raised a record-breaking £15,000 for their favourite chairites.

St Bonaventure’s School, in Boleyn Road, Forest Gate, showed that kindness and generosity does exist in times of hardship.

Throughout the year, students and teachers organised fundraising activities and they managed to raise £15,192.93 - the most the school has ever raised.

The charities that benefited from the money were Brentwood Catholic Children’s Society, St Joseph’s Hospice, Community Links, Richard House Hospice, The Jimmy Mizen Foundation, CAFOD, Caritas in Newham, CAFOD World Gifts and 282 Squadron ATC East Ham.

Headteacher Paul Halliwell added: “I am overwhelmed at the generosity showed this year. Lots of charities, both international and local have benefited and this year we decided to support Caritas, a new charity to support the most vulnerable in Newham.

“I feel really proud to hand over cheques to the various charities and feel sure the generosity of our students will continue next term, especially when they realise our money will make a positive difference to people’s lives.”