A SCHOOL has splashed out to raise over £1,800 for its chosen charity of Ty Hafan.

As part of its tenth anniversary celebrations, Narberth's Castle School set itself the target of raising £10,000 for the Wales children's hospice.

And students achieved almost one fifth of this target in just a few very cold minutes recently when they staged a Big Dip in the November sea in Amroth.

The challenge to find innovative ways to raise money was thrown down to everyone in Castle School at the start of the new academic year, and the year 10s came up with the idea of the sponsored dip.

They decided that they should not stand alone, and asked other classes to join them.

Many of the staff felt uncertain that pupils would rise to the icy challenge, so they were amazed and delighted to see that almost every student signed up.

They were even more impressed when - despite the day of the dip dawning with wintry conditions - no-one was tempted to back out.

Instead, the pupils enthusiastically clambered aboard the coach that had been kindly laid on by Narberth Travel to transport them to their icy encounter.

Parents and staff, including headteacher Su Cowell, were there on the beach to watch the swarm of youngsters make their way to the sea and on their return to dry land they were greeted by refreshments organised by parent Chris Dennis.

Organiser Rebecca Algieri thanked everyone who took part, and was delighted to announce to the shivering swimmers how much money their Big Dip had raised.