A school on the outskirts of Norwich has raised �50,347.46 for local and national charities and good causes in the last five years.

Sprowston Community High School has raised the money through a series of fundraising events and charity work led by GCSE citizenship students, as part of their coursework, as well as through the charity committee and year teams.

Nearly 100 local, national and international charities have benefited including the Evening News' Teddy Bear Appeal in 2007, when �609.99 was raised.

Headteacher Andrew John said: 'I'm absolutely delighted that we have broken the �50,000 mark – what an achievement.

'I'm so pleased our students have learnt so much about the excellent work that so many local, regional, national and international charities do, and the difference they make to improving lives. Developing young citizens who think globally, but act locally is at the heart of what we are about.'

The final event that broke through the �50,000 barrier was a non-uniform day for Children in Need, in which students, staff and governors all took part.

Other events raised further funding for Amnesty International, a charity students are keen to support.

All ideas for fundraising at the school are generated through student ideas and include national and international events or, alternatively, through personal experience of tragedy or hardship.

Rachel Hewitt, head of citizenship at the school, whose remit includes charities, said: 'Thanks to all those who have helped contribute to this amazing achievement. This success is clearly testament to the sheer dedication of Sprowston students who, through their hard work and commitment, have helped people and charities across the world.'

Billie Bell, chairman of the active student involvement group at school, said that it was amazing that so much money had ben raised in such a short time.

He added: 'This year has been great for our charity work, with year 10s raising over �5,000 through citizenship coursework and the rest of the school collecting massive amounts of money for various charities. We should be immensely proud of this momentous achievement.'

The school has also been praised by Norwich North MP Chloe Smith.

Is your school celebrating a remarkable achievement? Call reporter David Bale on 01603 772427 or email david.bale2@archant.co.uk.