'REMARKABLE' pupils in Churchdown have raised more than £8,000 to build a school kitchen for children in Haiti.

Chosen Hill School staff set their pupils a challenge to raise as much money as they could for the appeal after hearing about the earthquake.

Carmel Jones, director of personal development at the Brookfield Road school, said: "We did some special assemblies for Haiti and the pupils said it was really hard-hitting and some of them even wept when they heard what happened.

"So we gave the 1,460 children a £1 coin each and asked them to see if they could raise more money."

The pupils held cake sales, car washes and other events to raise £8,600 for the cause.

Carmel said: "Our children are remarkable. We had some girls who sang outside Morrisons in Down Hatherley, a boy in a wheelchair who swam twice his normal distance to raise more than £200 and lots more events.

"That's why our school is outstanding, because of our pupils. The money has now been sent to the International Education and Resource Network and will be used to build a kitchen, other resources and food at a school in Haiti for 10 months to get children back into a safe environment."

Kelly Constable, 13, said: "I did lots around the house to turn my pound into more. I tidied up, washed up and other things but I'm not sure how much I have raised yet. I am really pleased it is going to help people and I am very proud of myself and the school."

Bethan Townsend, 13, said: "I raised about £40 by asking my family for donations. I thought it was a really good idea for us to have to turn £1 into something more. I am really pleased with how we have done and it is great to know it is going to help children who need help the most and get the back into education."