HARD-WORKING Knox Academy pupils have helped raise more than £5,000 for charity.

The school has been at the heart of the fundraising efforts for Poppyscotland in Haddington for a number of years.

Youngsters at the school visited various businesses throughout the town to drop-off collection tins and poppies.

Anna Grosse, an S6 pupil at the school, was delighted with the money raised.

She said: “Many shops were happy to help and, in total, the shops, schools and people in Haddington raised over £5,350 for Poppyscotland.

“Certificates were made and given to the shops who participated in raising money for Poppyscotland, with most of Haddington’s High Street and the surrounding area partaking.

“The Knox Poppy Group also volunteered to stand in Tesco for two hours over two weekends, which helped Tesco to raise over £2,900 for Poppyscotland – an astonishing amount.”

The school’s Poppyscotland team also hosted a bake sale, and among the goods on offer were poppy-themed biscuits and cupcakes.

In total, the sale raised an additional £88 to go to the good cause, which provides support to armed forces communities across Scotland.

Anna added: “Knox Academy’s total was £261.21, an incredible amount raised by the office, staff and pupils.

“The team went around the school and into classes to collect donations and hand out poppies.”

The pupils’ efforts were praised by Haddington and Lammermuir ward councillor Shamin Akhtar.

She said: “Well done to all the members of the Knox Academy Poppy Group, who have raised a phenomenal £5,357.98.

“All your hard work and effort will make a huge difference to members of the armed forces community across Scotland.

“During a year when Poppyscotland have been limited in their fundraising, your donation will be hugely appreciated.”