SCUBA diving students, feline fundraising and collecting cowgirls took over their town for Children in Need.

In the now-time-honoured tradition, pupils from King Alfred's Academy, Wantage, took to the streets on Friday to shake the buckets for youngsters less fortunate than themselves.

Flagging down drivers, pedestrians and shoppers, the teenagers raised a whopping £1,640 in one day.

The school said it has now heard from Children in Need that it one of the top 500 schools for the amount its sixth formers have raised over the years.

In addition to that, KAs sixth formers have raised a further £500 since September for MacMillan Cancer Support, Caring Cancer Trust and The Charlie Waller Memorial Trust combined.

Headteacher Jo Halliday said: "Needless to say, we are very proud of what they have achieved and feel their efforts should be applauded – loudly."