THORNBURY schoolchildren have raised hundreds of pounds for the relief efforts in the Philippines.

Pupils at Gillingstool Primary School have been fundraising since before Christmas and raised more than £300 for Oxfam’s work in the typhoon-damaged Southeast Asian country.

Year Six pupils Freya Maidstone and Leah Bishop led a campaign to raise funds in the school to help the victims of Typhoon Haiyan.

After persuading their class and school councillors, an emergency School Council meeting was held and a fundraising plan pulled together.

Money was raised through four main events, starting with a non-uniform day where pupils were allowed to wear the colours of the Philippines flag – red, white and blue.

This was followed with a well supported cake sale and the collections from the Christmas drama productions – this year the KS1 performances of The Sleepy Stargazer and the reception Round the Back.

The Gillingstool KS2 Choir made its contribution with a mini carol singing tour of Thornbury, singing at a number of locations including care homes and the library.

Oxfam worker Alice Byron visited the school on Monday, March 17 to receive a cheque for the Philippines Disaster Appeal.

Speaking in morning assembly, she explained how the £318 would go towards helping people in the Philippines, where a vast disaster relief response has been taking place in the country in the wake of the destructive typhoon that hit the nation late last year.

Oxfam’s work ranges from water purification through to the provision of tents and toilet blocks.

Ms Byron said:“There is still a lot of work to do but bit by bit, things are improving.”

Her presentation finished with a slide showing one the signs that can be found in villages across the Phillippines, thanking everyone for the help provided.