Students at The Highcrest Academy have raised hundreds of pounds for charity by packing bags for customers at a supermarket.

Pupils from the school in High Wycombe were stunned by the generosity of shoppers at the town’s Waitrose & Partners after they collected £334 in just two hours for Wycombe Women’s Aid (WWA).

Head girl Tracy Ibom, 17, was one of 11 students who travelled to the store on Friday January 31.

She stood in the foyer holding a collection bucket, while fellow students of all ages manned the end of the tills and packed bags.

Tracy described the donations as ‘fantastic’.

“People have given so generously,” she said. “They have been light-hearted and positive towards us, and lots of shoppers have complimented our students for their manners.”

She added: “We want to thank Waitrose for their great hospitality and welcome. WWA is an amazing cause – it helps women in dangerous and desperate times, and we are delighted to have our name linked to such an amazing organisation.”

Highcrest pupils decided to make WWA its charity of the year at the start of September and has been busy raising funds since then to help. The charity supports women and children who are experiencing or trying to escape domestic violence and who are dealing with its effects and consequences.

Megan, a youth worker from WWA, said: “I was really impressed by the students and their continued commitment to supporting Wycombe Women’s Aid. The students' remarkable efforts will contribute towards our essential services for women and children experiencing domestic violence and we are incredibly thankful to The Highcrest Academy for their continued support."

Assistant head teacher David Mizera accompanied the Highcrest group to the supermarket.

He said the experience had been important in showing the value of skills such as team-work, sensitivity and communication.

He also praised Waitrose & Partners for allowing the visit and said: “I am delighted with the way it’s gone. The students’ decorum and the way they spoke to people was very impressive. Shoppers have been very positive.”

For more, go to www.highcrestacademy.org.uk