PUPILS at a Barry secondary school have dished up a tasty total in an effort to raise funds for Philippines residents affected by the typhoon earlier this year.

Youngsters from St Richard Gwyn High School, in Barry, teamed up with St Illtyd’s High School, in Cardiff, to raise more than £1200 through a concert and curry fundraiser.

Children from St Richard Gwyn, who help as chaplain assistants in the school, organised an evening of entertainment to raise money for the Catholic charity CAFOD (Catholic agency for overseas development).

Pupils from both schools showcased a range of fantastic musical performances and polished of the musical feast with a delicious curry prepared by school staff.

The event featured music from around the world including African drumming, Gamelan from Bali and Kitar from India. There were also choral performances, solo singing and music from St Richard Gwyn’s very own rock band to round off the night.

St Richard Gwyn pupil Elinor, 14, who helped to organise the concert said: “We organised the event to raise money for those people suffering in the Philippines because they need help and the money we raise will go to a really worthwhile cause.”

Parents, friends and staff supported the students on the evening.

An auction of promises and a raffle included an hour of gardening from one of the pupils, a car wash by two of the younger boys and donated items such as coloured saris and a free spray tan.

The auction raised £200 for CAFOD’s Philippines appeal.

Manager of CAFOD South Wales, Kieran O’Brien said: “I am humbled at the amount of energy and enthusiasm the students at both schools have for put into this event to help the people of the Philippines. Whenever there is a major disaster these schools always respond with great compassion.

In the first three months after the disaster we had already provided 50,000 people with hygiene kits, delivered food and water to those in the worst hit areas. And now is the long term work to help the people of the Philippines stand on their own two feet.”