CHRISTMAS celebrations helped big-hearted pupils net well over £1,000 for charities.

Students of All Saints School in Wyke Regis raised a record-breaking total of £1,870 in their last week of term.

The Christmas variety show made £1,420, the annual Christmas concert raised £150, a Christingle service produced £150 while raffle ticket sales came to more than £150.

The profits will now be split between the Children's Society, Save The Children, the Distress Hospice in Romania and the Naomi Hospice, which cares for children with life-threatening illnesses.

Money will also be sent to Mais Naser Edin, a four-year-old schoolgirl from the Palestinian Territories whose education is sponsored by the school.

An All Saints spokesman said: "Our fundraising activities have surpassed all previous years.

"We are delighted and very grateful for the support that has been provided by pupils across the school as well as parents and visitors."

The Christmas variety show was staged over two nights to sell-out audiences and featured acts that centred round a nautical theme.

Highlights included comedy sketches, dance routines, songs, a rock band, rap and extracts from the Cats musical. The annual Christmas concert saw staff and pupils perform festive pieces and carols.

Choirs, singing groups, the school jazz band and orchestra and bell ringers all took part.