Charitable pupils win Diana award (From Warrington Guardian)

Charitable pupils win Diana award

HELPING to rebuild a burnt out classroom in South Africa has earned two Runcorn schoolboys a prestigious accolade.

Heath pupils David Foster and Dean McCarthy, both 15, have received the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Award.

"I was really surprised," said David. "Hopefully one day we might be able to visit the school."

The boys raised £2,000 for resources and equipment at Lutuka Senior Secondary School.

They collected £1,000 from a sponsored walk to help rebuild a classroom destroyed by fire.

The teenagers were inspired after deputy headteacher Jan Brown told them about her visit to South Africa.

Mrs Brown, said: "David and Dean are excellent examples of active citizenship.

"We are delighted that their involvement in school issues has been recognised in this way.

The teenagers have instigated various fundraising activities as well as supporting the school in many other ways.

They have started an awareness club to help other pupils find out about their project.

Dean, said: "It's been good helping others. We're going to continue with our fundraising."

Maggie Turner, director of the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Award, said: "Young people receive the Diana Award because they have done something truly remarkable within their community."

Teachers can nominate pupils for the next round of awards by calling 020-8709 9935, before March 12.