GRIMACING male teachers were the centre of attention as they had their legs waxed for a great cause.

Rip-roaring fun was had by a large crowd of loud and excited pupils who packed the St Columba's assembly hall for the charity stunt.

Christina McFadyen, of CM Nails and Beauty, delicately laid wax strips on the pins of chemistry master Jamie Parker and his design and technology colleague Kieran O'Neill — and tore them off.

All the pain was for a tangible gain, as the senior students are raising money for a trip to Ghana to build a classroom there.

Mr Parker and Mr O'Neill were joined in the grin and 'bare it' waxing exploits by pupils David Doolan, Luke Parker, Daniel Molseed and Duncan Thacker, who will all be making the journey next summer.

Mr O'Neill — who has twice been to the Ghanaian town of Kaleo on similar projects — brought the idea to St Columba's.

He said: "It will be life-changing for them; it certainly was for me.

"You realise just how much we have.

"We will be working as labourers to the local tradesmen who will be building the classroom and the money we raise will pay for materials, the wages of the men and the trip itself."

Mr O'Neill added: "We told the boys that if they each hit a target of £250 for the waxing event then Mr Parker and myself would get involved.

"They exceeded expectations, partly I think because they want to see us in pain!"

The two teachers, their English department colleague Jennifer Higgins and pupils Katie Holland, Heather Wilson, Kara Leck, Sophie McGill, Leah Bonnar, Leah McEleny, Ellie McCallum and Taylor Kennedy are also going to Ghana.

Further fundraising events, including race and quiz nights, are planned.

The St Columba's group will become part of the Kaleo community for 18 days next June, shopping in the local markets and taking part in religious ceremonies as they make a host of new friends.

The trip is being organised through the Connected Global Citizens organisation, whose motto is 'Make a Sustainable Difference'.

Mr O'Neill said: "It will be an unforgettable experience."