Hirst Park Middle School in Ashington raised a staggering £1500 for Childline, as pupils across all four year groups knuckled down and took part in the spelling initiative.

The NSPCC sponsored spellathon gave the children extra incentive to ensure one hundred percent accuracy with their spellings, making the teachers and the school as proud as punch.

Teacher Jayne Norvell's year 5 class, pictured, raised the most money out of the four year groups, and enjoyed the challenge as well as an opportunity to raise some money. She said: "The children really got stuck in and did extremely well. I was very proud that my class raised the most money, and on the whole, the school did excellently. Their spelling improved and it was all for a great cause."

One year 5 pupil added: "I liked having to get sponsored because it meant I had to learn how to spell new words and I tried hard so I got most of them right!"

The 2011 Hirst Park Middle School Summer Fair was again a roaring success as the final term of another campaign comes to a close.

Year 8 students in Ashington have been out and about reporting as part of their 'Journalistic Challenge' week at Hirst Park Middle School. Pupils Jay, Daniel and Sophie report from Woodhorn, where they were given an informative and fascinating insight into the famous old colliery.

Comic Relief, or Red Nose Day, was the main focus for all schools on Friday, each having their own way of raising money. But instead of the usual non-uniform day that schools seem to have for every occasion, Ashington High School decided to do something entirely different.

Deputy Head Andrew Miller said: ''As part of our community education the children decided to help WATBus and organised sponsored circuits on the new assault course and a cake stall. It really was self raising.''

WATBus manager Lynn McIntosh said: ''This is fantastic support from the school. We are all inspired by the childrens ideas, generosity and community spirit. The cheque is the icing on the cake, so a big THANK YOU to everyone at the school, every penny really does count.''

Pictured: Andrew Miller and Lynn McIntosh with fundraisers from New Delaval Primary School, Blyth

Jubilee People's Millions projects will inspire, involve or improve their local communities. If you've got an idea that could breathe life into your local area and improve the lives of the people who live there, why not apply for a grant of up to £60 000!

The video packages that pupils from Hirst Park Middle School in Ashington produce won an Arts Council arts mark gold award as well as getting them involved with the BBC school report team.

They won the award for their video work and computer animation, and the BBC will now link to the videos they produce. It is also for their commitment to art, music and performing arts.

Hirst Park Middle School in Ashington is one of only 100 groups across the country - some of them specialising in music, dance and drama - chosen to take part in the Billy Youth Theatre project.

Ian Lavery, Wansbeck's MP, with Harry Bainbridge and some of his fellow cast members from Hirst Park Middle School's Billy Elliot production

It is one of just six groups in the North East selected to perform a specially adapted version of Lee Hall's smash-hit musical Billy Elliot.

The dozen women from around Wansbeck were initially brought together at an event to encourage students from Northumberland College to think about setting up their own business.

Now, with the support of Go Wansbeck business coach Dave Gibbon, they have set up their own networking group, which was launched at an event at the college.

Now open to organisations including voluntary and community organisations, schools, town and parish councils, and statutory health authorities. Grants of between £300 and £10,000 are available.

There is up to £2 million available across the UK and organisations can submit applications before the three deadlines of 21July, 22 September and the 24 November 2010.

For further details and to get an application form visit our website www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/communitywildlife, or call our helpline on:
0845 367 0610.
For more ideas for projects visit www.bbc.co.uk/wild

The attack on 376-pupil Wansbeck Road First in Ashington, Northumberland - in which a total of 84 windows were broken - has left staff furious and young pupils upset.

Caretaker Mark Charlton turned up for work at 7am to discover the damage caused to the rear of the buildings. Shattered glass had been strewn across the floor and on to children's equipment in the hall, a reception classroom and offices.