Pupils have donated £3,000 to help children who have suffered bereavement

A group of S3 students from St Stephen's High won the cash for the Ardgowan Hospice Butterfly Project thanks to their participation in the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) Scotland project.

Pupils Charleigh McIntyre, Aimee McMillan, Kiera Gallacher and Megan Morrison competed against other teams in the school to secure a £3,000 grant for their chosen charities.

They gave a presentation film explaining why the Butterfly Project should receive the cash boost after carrying out research and visits to the hospice

The students - with help from classmates Chloe McCrorey and Melissa Crumlish - convinced a panel of judges that their cause was the most deserving and bagged the top prize.

They presented a cheque to Janice Lee, children and family support worker for the Butterfly Project, and volunteer Sally Peel.

Janice said: "I'm absolutely delighted they've won. "We would love to develop their film and incorporate it into a training pack for teachers to help them meet the needs of bereaved children. "I'm over the moon that the pupils have supported the Butterfly Project."

The YPI scheme, which is funded and managed by The Wood Foundation, is designed to encourage young people to become active citizens in their community by championing a local cause that matters to them.

Pupil Kiera, 14, said: "This will help lots of people our age who are going through a hard time.

"It's good to know the Butterfly Project is there to support them."

Charleigh, 14, added: "It was a great opportunity to help those who need help in our community.

"There could be young people in our school, for example, who need support that the Butterfly Project provides."

Teacher Angela Curley, who organises the St Stephen's YPI contest, praised the team for their hard work.

She said: "It's nice for young people to help other young people. "They were all involved in the film and got some beautiful shots of St Stephen's."