A CATHOLIC school has agreed to raise £1,000 a year to help women fleeing from war-torn countries.

The pledge was made by Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College as part of a charity legacy, which it has decided to offer to mark last year's religious celebration, the Holy Year of Mercy.

The Holy Year of Mercy is called every 25 years in the Catholic Church, but last year the Pope called for it to be a special year, known as an extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy.

The school has agreed to raise the money for Fatima House, a home in Birmingham which is being run by Father Hudson's Society for female refugees.

The money will be raised by the school's Mini Vinnies, which is the junior version of the St Vincent de Paul Society, under the direction of teacher Frank Tota.

The SVP society aims to tackle poverty by offering practical help.

As part of the jubilee of mercy year, holy doors were symbolically opened at basilicas, cathedrals and churches around the world.

The Timberdine Avenue school also chose to redesign its own doors, as a physical legacy of the holy year.

The old entrance was replaced with automatic doors to improve access for those with disabilities and the entrance was given a colourful revamp.

The design included references to parables and guidance from the New Testament, including the Prodigal Son, and The Lost Sheep.

The doors include the school's mission 'a commitment to gospel values and personal achievement' and its motto 'Ad Meioram Dei Gloriam’ or 'To the greater glory of God'.

The new entrance was installed during the Spring half-term.

Sean Devlin, the school's principal, said: “Many people have commented how great the new entrance looks.

"The important thing though is that we take on board the meanings of the different pictures.

"Richard Long, head of art, was very patient in the design of the entrance along with other members of staff."