Trinity Academy in Thorne made the donation to SAO Cambodia, which runs a series of life-changing projects in the south east Asian country. The money was raised through a string of sponsored events and activities at the academy throughout the year.

The SAO Cambodia Christian Mission is one of three charities adopted by the academy and a group of eight students recently travelled there to help out in schools and orphanages.

The charity strives to help children at risk in Cambodia, particularly those living on the streets and in orphanages, or coping with AIDS.

Youth and publicity officer Sarah Johnston visited the academy to collect the £1,000 cheque and told of the impact the donation would have.

"Our projects are extremely varied. More than a third of the population of Cambodia are living below the poverty line, with many families surviving on the equivalent of just 50p a day," she said.

"This money will go directly to the projects we are involved in. We are so encouraged and heartened by the donation. It is fantastic and I know that the Cambodian people we work with are always grateful for the help they receive from the UK."

Academy Principal Ian Brew said: "It is pleasing to know that the money will be going straight into areas where it is needed most and our students are to be congratulated for their excellent fund-raising efforts."