Schoolboys swapped their uniforms for jolly jumpers to raise money for a good cause.
Pupils from Queen Elizabeth Grammar School’s Senior School in Wakefield donned a collection of novelty festive jumpers for a day before the Christmas break.
The initiative allowed the boys to raise £1,000 for the Holme Valley Mountain Rescue Team.
The money will go towards the team’s ongoing fundraising aimed at purchasing a new headquarters.
The search-and-rescue organisation is based in Marsden and consists of 43 unpaid volunteers.
The school’s deputy head, Jim Palin, came up with the idea for the fundraiser.
One of the school’s teachers, Helen Sheard, has been a member of the rescue team for 15 years.
Rebecca Hazell, marketing assistant at the school, said: “The school really admires the work that the team do.
“They cover a massive area – the southern half of West Yorkshire – and we have a lot of students and families living in this area, which means that it is a charity close to our hearts.
“We hope as a school that we will never need the services of the rescue team, but it is good to know that they are there 24/7, 365 days a year.”
Later on this year, the students might take part in a sponsored abseil event to raise even more money for the charity.
The rescue team has agreed to purchase the Marsden Fire Station building, where its new and expanded headquarters will be. The fundraising target for the project is £50,000.
Assistant leader Owen Phillips said: “Donations have been many and numerous – we have been struck by the support we have from the community.
“A recent fundraising concert at Holmfirth Picturedrome raised nearly £7,000.
“Thanks to the continued generosity of the public and local organisations, we look to be well on target to complete the purchase by the agreed date.
“If all goes to schedule, the sale should be complete by the team’s 50th anniversary in 2015.”
To donate £10, text HVHQ13 £10 to 70070. For other amounts, replace “£10” with the sum you wish to give.
