Students took time from their GCSE studies to raise money for a vital Cumbrian charity – handing over more than £1,000 on the same day they picked up their exam results.

Year 11 students at The Whitehaven Academy decided to support Blood Bikes Cumbria with sponsored walks and other fund-raising events in May.

After collecting in all the cash, they handed over a cheque to the charity, which provides a free out-of-hours emergency transport service, for £1,055 at the same time as they picked up their exam grades.

Poignantly, they chose Blood Bikes to support one of their friends who lost a close family member linked to the charity.

Student Grace Kerr said: “I picked them because you never know who’s going to end up needing their help. My dad was interested in doing Blood Bikes but sadly passed away, so I wanted to raise some money in his name.”

Her friend Isla Parkes said: “I think it’s a really important cause that needs support from everyone and it’s close to my friend Grace’s family’s heart and I wanted to do what I could to help.”

Tony Rutherford, Chair of Blood Bikes Cumbria, said the money would help keep the charity on the road.

He said: “This donation from the students of The Whitehaven Academy means we will be able to continue to provide a vital lifeline.

The Whitehaven Academy headteacher Nigel Youngman added: “Young people have had the toughest of 18 months and to see them respond in this way, wanting to help others, is inspiring."