STUDENTS at The Abbey School in Farnham were delighted to learn that they have been recognised by The Hedgehogs for their participation in the sponsored swim last year.

With support from their friends, relations and neighbours, the students who all have learning and additional needs raised more than £1,350. These funds will be used towards a major project at the school to advance the development of the outdoor learning environment.

Every year the students look forward to taking part in this community event alongside other schools and charities. This year the swim, which takes place at Farnham Leisure Centre, is scheduled for Saturday, October 15.

Hedgehogs’ chairmanBob Hockey accompanied by fellow Hedgehogs, Bob Jervis and Alaistair Muir (who organised the sponsored swim), visited The Abbey to present the cheque and the Hedgehogs’ trophy award during school assembly.

For many years now the Farnham-based charity, which last year celebrated 55 years of helping people in need, have included the students at The Abbey School among the many groups and individuals they support from the proceeds of their widely varied activities.

As a result of their grand draw, monthly Jazz Café at The Maltings, marquee hire, The Bat & Ball annual beer festival, quizzes, golf days and special one-off fashion shows and concerts as well as more recent fundraising initiatives such as the Love Farnham photographic competition and calendar, The Hedgehogs are able to donate around £55,000 a year to local individuals and causes.

Charlotte Purkiss, a teacher at The Abbey who took part in the sponsored swim, said: “We are very grateful to the Hedgehogs for facilitating this fund-raising opportunity year after year.

“Our students really enjoy the challenge of taking part and of trying to raise as much as they can for their school. We only have just over 100 students, so this is a significant achievement of which the students and the whole school community are very proud.”