STUDENTS from Reaseheath College have taken just a month to raise an impressive £6,200 for a local charity - and the money is still rolling in.

RAG Week, which culminated in the Nantwich college's Open Day and Family Festival, got off to a flying start with students opting for their favourite past-time - staying up all night and partying.

Some 36 students took up a challenge to stay awake all night, raising a staggering £1,200 in sponsorship.

Animal care student Nicola Sumbland, aged 18, suggested the charity stunt and organised it in the student bar, and participants were monitored regularly by the wardening team to make sure they stayed awake.

Head warden Mark Birkitt said: "There was a real party atmosphere, the students had free access to the pool tables and juke box and they organised dance competitions."

Other activities in a packed RAG week included staff being put into stocks and being drenched with soggy sponges.

Other money was raised through a Nantwich town centre street collection, a raft race on the college lake, a scavenger hunt and a jail break, where teams of two had to make their way back to college after being deposited 28 miles away.

Staff and students completed a 50km sponsored walk along Cheshire's Sandstone Trail and students offered a car washing service during the college's lambing weekends.

Money raised by the sheep Grand National - one of the most popular activities during Open Day - was also added to the fund.

Activities in the student bar included entertainment from a hypnotist, a barbecue, a quiz, a beach party disco and a slave auction.

Deliveries of manure have also been going out to keen gardeners.

Students and staff will also tackle a sponsored marathon over Yorkshire's three peaks, aiming to climb Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, within 12 hours on June 21.

RAG chairman Will Shemilt said: "RAG went tremendously and I'd like to thank all the students who participated and the wardens and staff who supported us.

"Our Principal, Meredydd David, said that he had not seen a RAG week which was as fun packed as this one."

This year's charity is the Cauldwell Charitable Trust, which provides grants to children with special needs, disabilities or serious illnesses.

A final cheque will be handed over during the summer ball in June.