STUDENTS from St Augustine's Catholic High School raised enough money to protect one quarter of an acre of a rainforest in Ecuador in just 24 hours.

The youngsters organised their own collection after studying rainforests, deforestation and sustainable solutions for their GCSE unit on protecting different eco-systems.

The pupils became motivated and inspired to do something to try and help.

The rainforest is protected through the World Land Trust, who have projects throughout the world.

Lead geography teacher Mr Morris said she was extremely proud of the students and the initiative they demonstrated through this empathetic gesture.

St Augustine's Catholic High School has a long tradition of supporting different charities and has raised more than £3,500 recently for several causes including Birmingham Children's Hospital, Acorns Children's Hospice, Primrose Hospice, LEPRA and CAFOD.