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Kind-hearted pupils have been recognised for their extraordinary efforts in raising more than £6,500 for this year’s Children in Need.

Pupils of Ysgol y Castell in Caerphilly outdid themselves for the annual BBC charity appeal raising ten times the usual amount through a host of activities including a fun run and dressing for the day in pyjamas.

Co-ordinating their efforts with the school’s pupil council was teaching assistant Kayleigh Roberts.

Kayleigh often takes part in fundraising for children’s charities as a way to commemorate her late daughter Darcie.

Darcie, who had Down syndrome, died ten years ago aged just 18 months.

Praising the children, Kayleigh said: “Every year we have done this it is £600 to £700, so it is a lot for the school.

“It shows how much the school came together. With everything that’s going on at the moment, people still giving to charity is amazing – it’s amazing how much they raised.

“Even our headteacher, Gareth Hughes, thought it was a misprint.”

She added: “It’s been ten years since Darcie passed away – it means a lot to me.”

Before breaking up for Christmas, pupils were presented with Children in Need certificates and medals as a thank you for their efforts.

In addition to Kayleigh and the school council, staff members Amy Thomas and Sioned Curran also helped organise the fundraising activities.