Pupils at Dauntsey’s School in West Lavington have handed nearly £20,000 to a charity that helps underprivileged children in Africa.

Last year, Dauntsey’s pupils voted to support The Mustard Seed Project, a small charity run by Rita and Geoff Fowler. It works with the people of Mgongeni in Kenya to help with development of the community, including running a primary school, improving infrastructure and helping local women start their own businesses.

Several school events were staged to raise funds, with mufti days and a special economy charity lunch. The Devizes to Westminster canoe race team braved bitter weather to raise £4,842.50 for the cause. Meanwhile, the 150 participants in the 2012 Swimathon covered 486,733 lengths over 24 hours to raise some £750.

Houses pulled together to raise funds with bake sales and other events. Mr and Mrs Fowler were presented with a cheque for £19,819 by two of the house charity reps. The charity is planning to use the money to help with the purchase of land for a new school and also to help build the first classroom.