Charitable youngsters at Lampton School hand over £3,000

Friends of Hounslow Portage, which helps children with special needs play and learn by making home visits, walked away with the cash following an evening of presentations on January 29.

It narrowly beat 4th Heston Scouts and cancer charity the Mulberry Centre, along with several other charities nominated by the 13 teams taking part.

Nikkita Beghi, who was on the winning team, said it was a great feeling to hand over the money.

"We chose Friends of Hounslow Portage because we think it's important children with disabilities have the same opportunities as other children," added the 15-year-old.

"Hopefully the money will help buy more toys, because the people we spoke to told us there was a real shortage."

This was the second year the school has taken part in the Youth Philanthropy Initiative, which was set up to encourage people to contribute to their community.

It was one of just 10 schools in the country to get involved when the scheme was launched last year.

Teacher Patricia Francourt described the presentation evening as a 'fantastic night'.

"We found that the charities varied completely from last year," she added.

"The students involved were very passionate about their chosen charities, which many opted for due to personal reasons."