A parent-teacher association at a Thornbury school has been relaunched in the wake of a documentary exposing shocking funding problems.

The first meeting of the newly named Castle School Friends (CSF) was held on Tuesday following a surge of support from parents and others in the community wanting to help.

Last week volunteers had a stand at Thornbury's Christmas lights switch-on to allow people to register their interest.

Castle has appeared in two episodes of the BBC documentary School which showed that government funding failed to match the school's operating costs.

Cuts were made to pastoral care as a result, with teachers blaming this for rising levels of misbehaviour and anxiety amongst students.

This week's episode followed the school's attempts to avoid cutting funding for pupils with special educational needs.

Sara Iles, Chair of Castle School Friends (CSF) said, “I thought perhaps 10 parents would be interested in setting up the group, but about 150 have already made contact and the number is growing.

“We’re now able to start making plans for fundraising, and also for offering practical support such as DIY and gardening skills.

"We want to help teachers in their important work of educating our children by providing much-needed equipment and improving the school environment.”

Andy Bethell, director of development at the school, said: "Our staff and students will be buoyed by this show of support from so many of our parents.

"There is a real energy within the group, and we look forward to the CSF developing lots of activities which will be fun to be part of, and will also help the school.”

The CSF is led by a new committee of 15 parent volunteers.

Their first fundraising activity will be at the School’s Christmas dance show on December 3 and 4.

Former pupils, other individuals and community groups and local businesses are encouraged to get in touch if they would like to support CSF’s work.

If you are interested email cas-enquiries.tcs@cset.co.uk with the subject CSF.