ACTIVE pupils at Franche First School in Kidderminster raised £450 towards Operation Covert with a day of activities honouring the Scout movement's spirit of adventure.

Children at the Chestnut Grove school made a contribution to the appeal by spending a day solving puzzles with a maths theme and using their orienteering skills.

Deputy headteacher, Peter Bravo, said: "It was an excellent and exciting day, full of creativity and exploration. The weather was really bright as the children undertook orienteering trails around the school grounds, solving puzzles as they went.

"The children really enjoyed themselves and learned by participating in a variety of activities which the Scouts have traditionally organised."

Maths co-ordinator, Gail Evans, said: "For many years, Franche First pupils who have been in the Beavers have enjoyed their weekend camp at Rhydd at the beginning of the summer term.

"This has often been the first opportunity to stay a night away from home for a considerable number of the young boys and the weekend is approached with excitement and eager anticipation."

The experience proved to be massively rewarding, she said: "It made a positive impression on the children, encouraging them to be self-reliant, caring and responsible."