RINGWOOD students have raised more than £4,000 to help homeless people turn their lives around.

The group of 36 sixth form students and seven members of staff took part in the Big London Night Walk on Friday in aid of the Big Issue Foundation.

This is the fourth time a group from the school has taken part in the event, which is a 12-mile route taking them around London.

Student Bella Rix said: “It was brilliant and really exciting. The route took you through some of the back streets of London.

“Walking past homeless people was quite upsetting as we were walking for them and wanted to help them there and then.”

During the walk the students were also able to take in some of the iconic sights, including the London Eye and Big Ben.

“The 12 miles wasn’t too hard going but tested us all, which was good,” added Bella.

During the walk there were a number of special rest stops where the students got to sing with a choir and meet Bob the street cat, who has been the focus of a number of books.

“I would definitely do it again next year,” added the 16-year-old.

“It was quite magical and humbling to do and was for such a great cause. I was really happy that I got to help such a worthy cause.” The school initially took part in the walk in 2010 with only 11 students and it has been growing ever since.

Cover supervisor Helen Hoff, who led the students on their walk, said: “I was so proud of them all.”

Prior to the event the students had to do their own fundraising – setting up their own fundraising pages and took part in cake sales to boost funds.

“I hope it opened their eyes to more of the issues surrounding homelessness,” she added.

“They can be really proud of themselves that they have done something to help change lives.”

To make a donation visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com and search for Helen Hoff.

Helen is hoping to encourage more schools to get involved in the event next year. Anyone interested in finding out more can call her on 01425 475000.