Students have from the Merton Prince's Turst have been praised after fundraising cash to carry out improvement works in their community.

The Mitcham students, who are working on a 12-week personal development programme, have already carried out improvement works at a local church and primary school.

One group went out into the community and found that Saint Emmanuel's Church in North Cheam was in need of repair while another chose to help Stanford Primary School in Mitcham and set about raising more than £500 for each project by bag packing in the supermarket, washing cars and holding a cake sale.

Kay Campbell, Stanford Primary School Deputy Head, said: "Stanford is a community school and this project gives an opportunity to foster links with young adults that will benefit and significantly enhance the learning environment for our youngest children."