YOUNGSTERS visited an air base to hand over a cheque after raising more than £3,000 for charity.

School councillors from Powers Hall Infant School, in Witham, were invited to the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance last week.

The pupils presented a cheque for £3,159.68 which has been raised by the 260 children at the school during the academic year.

Claire Jaques, the headteacher at the school, said: "They have taken part in lots of sponsored events including a dance-a-thon and there were also collections at the children's Christmas carol concerts.

"The children were delighted to be able to sit inside the helicopter before it had to fly away to help someone in need.

"Our children have done an amazing job raising so much money and they have loved taking part in all of the fundraising events throughout the year.

"I am so grateful to our whole school community for their fantastic support for such a worthwhile charity."

Clair Mitchell, Essex fundraising coordinator at Essex & Herts Air Ambulance, said: "What an amazing effort from the children of Powers Hall, thanks to everyone who contributed.

"It costs an average of £2,500 to pay for each of our missions, so this money could quite literally save a life.

"Our service is provided free of charge and receives no direct funding from the government so we depend on the generosity and goodwill of supporters of all ages to continue saving lives."