STUDENTS from a school in Winterbourne have shown that heroes come in all sizes, having raised £4,000 for an air ambulance charity.

William and George Lightfoot, 9 and 7, raised the incredible sum for the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity at a special green and blue day of fundraising at Elm Park School.

The day, which was organised in memory of the boys’ dad Chris, began with an assembly featuring the service’s mascot Charlie, the Critical Care Bear, and included competitions and a cake sale.

Deputy head teacher Carol-Marie Bond said: “The children were so very enthused by it and have spent many hours making information leaflets, persuasive letters and adverts using the facts.

“I am still shocked by just how much money we have raised and feel so very proud of our wonderful community.”

The pupils were also taught vital first aid skills, including how to put someone in the recovery position.

GWAAC community fundraising coordinator Nicole Beebee said: “I was amazed by the way that the students (and their teachers) threw themselves into fundraising for us.

“The amount they have raised is fantastic, and will help our crew to continue their life-saving work. It is so important that people support us, as we receive no day to day funding from the government or National Lottery.

“Holding a green and blue day at school is such a simple but effective way of supporting us. I hope other schools in our area will be inspired to get involved!”

The charity, which covers South Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire, Bristol, North Somerset, Bath and North East Somerset and parts of Wiltshire, requires £2.6million of funding a year to operate.

To find out more visit www.gwaac.com