STUDENTS who throw themselves into the heart of the Spa community have earned recognition in a national education report.

Whitford Hall and Dodderhill School, Crutch Lane, featured in the Independent Schools' Council study on interaction between private schools and their neighbours.

Ardent fundraising and voluntary work taken on by Dodderhill pupils won praise from the body which represents more than 900 schools.

Currently students enjoy a busy programme of volunteering and help out at Droitwich Stroke Club, share samba playing skills at town schools, support a Traidcraft stall and collect for needy children world-wide. Already this year, £7,000 has been collected for good causes.

Headteacher Joan Mumby said: "For such a small school, it was very honourable to have a mention.

"We do try wherever possible to get involved with the community around us and we too benefit from activities other organisations operate in Droitwich.

"For example, local Rotarians visit us every year and hold mock interviews with pupils and that is something that has always proved successful"she added.