Our Prince’s Trust Billingham Team have been helping pupils at Ash Trees Academy get in the Christmas spirit this week as part of their final team challenge.

The students visited the school after raising £360 to give the children a fun filled week. With the money they raised, they bought sweets, games and presents for them to enjoy.

Prince’s Trust student, Chloe, said: “We’ve been doing arts and crafts, face painting, playing Jenga and pass the parcel. It’s been really fun and I’ve enjoyed helping the students get in the Christmas spirit.”

Staff were very impressed by our learners raising money and donating it to their pupils so they can enjoy the festive season that little bit more. Graeme Musson, Deputy Head teacher of Ash Trees Academy, said: “The students from the Prince’s Trust were absolutely fantastic.  They clearly thought very carefully about the resources that they wanted to provide to our pupils and made sure that they were suitable for every group and individual.”

He continued: “The students conducted themselves with a very professional attitude and made sure the pupils and staff at Ash Trees were given an excellent start to the festive season.”

Teacher at Ash Trees Academy, Claire Knowles, said her classed loved every minute of the festivities: “My class absolutely loved it, the students were fantastic.  I can't believe they'd raised all of that money themselves and donated such lovely things for the school.  They were truly amazing.”

Helping out at the school is the last activity for our Billingham team before they have their final presentation, and Prince’s Trust Team Leader, Martin, couldn’t be more proud: “The students have worked really hard with little supervision, I’m really proud of what they have done.”

He continued: “They’re getting first-hand experience of how rewarding it is. I am very pleased that Ash Trees Academy have given us this opportunity.”

If you would like to join one of our Prince’s Trust teams this January, visit https://www.stockton.ac.uk/princes-trust/