AN Ulverston school community has raised hundreds of pounds for a neighbouring charity through an annual walk.

Pupils and staff from Sandside School took part in their annual Hoad Walk on Monday.

This year the sponsored walk was in aid of the town's St Mary's Hospice.

More than 60 pupils and more than 30 staff and parents were involved

in the fundraising challenge.

Children with physical disabilities and using wheelchairs took part in walk around the bottom of Hoad.

Sandside is expected to have raised around £300 for the hospice through the event.

The school has been hosting the walk for a number of years, supporting different charities.

As well as being a fundaiser, the school organises the walk to give pupils and their families the opportunity to spend the day together.

Following the walk St Mary's Hospice were delighted to host the pupils, staff and families with refreshments served at its Orangery cafe.

Sandside's sixth formers are given work experience placements each week, including at St Mary's Hospice cafe, the gardens and helping with housekeeping.

Susan Gill, the headteacher of Sandside School, said: “We love coming to St Mary’s Hospice. It is really important our pupils develop social skills and independence, and the hospice is a lovely atmosphere to do this.”

Mel Dixon, community fundraiser said: “It’s a privilege to welcome Sandside School to our hospice. Sandside support St Mary’s in so many ways. We have their sixth formers come along each week for work experience, and to be part of Sandside’s annual walk up the Hoad is a lovely experience. It’s wonderful to see how this activity benefits everyone involved.”

Sandside pupil Holly Grayless, nine, enjoyed the walk and the treats at the cafe. She said: “It was good. The best bit was cake, my favourite was the marshmallows and sprinkles."

More than 400 women in pink walk 10 miles for Ulverston hospice