GIGGLESWICK School is celebrating after its sports department raised more than £8,000 for two worthy causes.

The money, raised at a black tie sports dinner in the North Yorkshire school's dining hall, will go towards Baphumelele Orphanage in South Africa and Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

The dinner featured guest speakers Nigel Melville who is the former England rugby captain and Sir Gary Verity who was instrumental in winning the bid for Yorkshire to host the Grand Depart of the Tour De France in 2014.

The event also included an auction. Among the 16 prizes guests could bid for was an appearance and demonstration from international trials bike legend Dougie Lampkin MBE at a venue of the bidder’s choice and a week’s stay in a luxury Northumberland farmhouse.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance is a rapid response air emergency service and Baphumelele Children’s Home provides temporary shelter for vulnerable and orphaned children and young adults with chronic diseases.

Dan Cook, director of sport at the school, who organised the event said: "Many thanks to Gary and Nigel for speaking at the event and to all those who attended and donated prizes for their generosity and for making the evening so enjoyable.

"The event marks the school’s sports tour to South Africa and I’m delighted to be splitting the amount raised between two such worthwhile charities."

Pupils from Years 11 to Upper Sixth will be taking part in a Rugby and Hockey tour across South Africa in the summer.