Guide dogs have visited pupils to pick up a cheque they raised with a non-uniform day, sponsored walks, cooking and art work.

The dogs were accompanied by representatives from the Guide Dogs' Association when they collected £12,000 from the William de Ferrers School in South Woodham Ferrers.

Taking the lead - students Richard Elms, Natalie Short and Kerry Sams, get to know guide dogs Flynn and Pepper while their owners Mike Pinder and fundraising manager Carrie Rielly look on Picture: TERENCE BUNCH

Children left their uniforms at home and completed various other activities to raise the money.

Deputy headteacher Andrew Merchant said: "We choose a different charity each year and we have worked with the guide dogs in the past."

The cheque was presented to the association at the school which has 1,800 pupils.

Published Thursday October 17, 2002

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