SEVENTY-six pupils from Blessed Edward Oldcorne College, Worcester, earned top marks for raising money for St Richard's Hospice.

The Year 8 pupils took part in the hospice's Flourishing Fivers scheme - in which they are given £5 each and asked to turn it into even more cash for the charity.

The group grew their £5s to £1,155 with a range of activities in just seven months.

Head of Year 8, Claire Pritchard, said: "Our target was to raise £500 for St Richard's and we are delighted that the year group really pulled together to raise this fantastic amount to help make a difference to St Richard's Hospice."

This is the second year the Flourishing Fivers initiative has been running in Worcestershire, raising more than £5,000 in total.

Alison Weston, St Richard's Hospice community fund-raiser, congratulated the group on their hard work and initiative.

If any other schools would like to join the initiative, then call Alison Weston on 01905 763963 or email communityfund @strichards.org.uk for more information.

St Richard's moved into its £5.25m hospice at Wildwood Drive, Worcester at the end of last year.

Fundraisers are now hard at work generating the £3.2m which needs to be raised this year to provide the ongoing specialist care and support for patients with cancer and other illnesses.