STUDENTS at Worcester Business School have used their skills to raise more than £7,000 for seven local good causes.

This is the second year the University of Worcester has offered its fundraising business challenge module, which is designed to give first year undergraduate and HND students the experience of managing group projects with multiple stakeholders and real outcomes.

Nearly 200 students took the module this year and since November they have been working on live projects to raise money for local organisations reaching a total of £7,052.10.

Holly Andrews, senior lecturer and module leader, said: "The idea behind the module is to get students to put their business skills into practice in order to benefit local good causes, both through raising money and increasing awareness. The projects this year have included a Valentine Comedy Gala, seven challenges, where students took on seven different challenges across seven weeks, an online auction, a virtual balloon race and producing a marketing video.

“All aspects of these projects, such as finances, organisation and marketing, were taken on by the students, and we are delighted that they have managed to raise such a significant sum of money as well as building their skills and knowledge.”

Among the projects which benefitted this year were Acorns Children’s Hospice, Age UK, Fort Royal Community Primary School, Funny Blood, Worcester Snoezelen, St Richard’s Hospice and Worcestershire Animal Rescue Shelter.