SIXTH year pupils signed off from school in style by making nearly £2,000 worth of donations to several good causes.

Inverclyde Academy's charity committee bowed out of secondary education with a final £1,200 cheque to Reach for Autism.

A further £100 was also donated to Inverclyde Down's Syndrome Support Group and £380 went to school funds.

The charity committee is made up of Rebecca McConnachie, Aimee Provan, Caitlin McKee, Cassie O'Neill, Erin Lightbody, Katy Stirling, Lana Gorry, Laura Campbell, Nicola Piggott and Olivia Stewart.

They have been working hard during their last year of high school organising a series of money-spinning events to help a variety of good causes.

Nicola, 17, said: "We tend to look at smaller charities instead of bigger ones to help make more of a difference.

"That's why we picked Reach, and also because some of our teachers have links to the charity and know what a difference the money will make."

The final donations were on top of hundreds of pounds raised over the last 12 months for the likes of BBC Children In Need and Inverclyde Foodbank.

The teenagers set an initial target of £1,000 but smashed that after just a couple of events.

Nicola said: "That's why we decided to donate some of the money to school funds as well because that's helped us and other pupils throughout our time here."

The pupils organised students versus staff sports matches, a talent show, raffles, bake sales, dress down days and 'fun Fridays' with music playing in the school social areas.

Donations were encouraged ans some events were free to ensure none of their fellow students missed out.

Olivia, 17, said: "Although we've raised this amount for Reach and school funds, we raised hundreds of pounds at a time for other things. "Hopefully it will help change some people's lives."

Physics teacher Callum Beattie, who oversees the committee, was full of praise for the kind-hearted pupils.

He said: "They've done a ridiculously good job this year and I wanted to recognise how well they've done.

"They've worked hard and deserve praise for it."

The girls presented their last cheque for £1,200 to William Smith and son Greg on behalf of Ratho Street-based Reach for Autism.

William said: "It's an amazing amount they've raised and much-appreciated. "The money will go towards social outings for people who use the service, which relies on charitable donations like this."

His son Greg, who also volunteers with the charity, said: "It's brilliant what the committee have done. "The money will make a big difference to Reach."