Secondary school students have turned £50 into more than £3,000 for a fundraising challenge.

Eight pupils from Debden Park High School in Loughton took on the Haven House Enterprise challenge partnered with property developer Galliard Homes.

They were tasked with turning £50 into as much money as possible within 14 weeks through various fundraising activities.

The students, under the team name 'Debden Dragons', held doughnut sales, raffles and asked students to pay money to wear a colour that represents Haven House Hospice. By the end of the challenge, the team raised £3,200.

The school's director of learning, Paul Greendale said: "We had many ups and downs. There were some events that had to be cancelled and re-thought but the students never gave up.

"In the end, they raised £3,200. I could not be more proud of this group of students. They have achieved so much and grown in so many ways."

The team received the best presentation award, the resilience award and the Galliard Homes award at the school's awards evening.

Lara Dibbin won the mentor's award for her hard work and Eloise Judd was given work experience with Galliard Homes beating students from the other six schools that were involved in the initiative.