Brentwood School’s Community Service Unit has presented the Essex Wildlife Trust with a jumbo cheque for £434.72.

The money was raised over the past year through bag-packing at supermarkets, cake sales in School, running tuck shops and other fundraising events.

Fifteen Brentwood School pupils and three members of staff handed over the cheque to representatives of the Trust while on a visit to the Belfairs Woodland Centre in Leigh on Sea.

The Belfairs Woodland Centre provides a space for schools, groups and families to learn about south Essex’s fantastic ancient woodlands in an interactive way.

Volunteers have the opportunity to gain practical experience in managing woodlands and other important habitats.

During their visit, the CSU students worked on a floral garden to attract insects, built habitats for stag beetles and other insects, and conducted a survey of species like the crested newt.

Teacher, Mr Robert Jenkins, said: “This kind of activity by our Community Service Unit is central to Brentwood School's role in supporting local, national and international charitable organisations.

“We have a wonderful on-going relationship with Essex Wildlife Trust and have worked regularly with them over the years.

"The children were absolutely delighted to be able to contribute both their time and the results of their fundraising.

“The pupils worked really well despite the heat! One of them, said: 'Despite the hard work it was good to get out in the sun and it was genuinely rewarding. Lunch was good too!"

Essex Wildlife Trust has nine Visitor Centres, 87 Nature Reserves, two Nature Parks and manages 8,200 acres of land.