Dedicated pupils at a Sevenoaks junior school have celebrated raising more than £150,000 for the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

Since 1991 students have been making a splash for the BHF by taking part in an annual sponsored swim to help raise vital funds for the charity.

Now in its 24 year, the long-running event has raised over £153,000 to help power new research into preventing and treating cardiovascular disease.

Andrew Reid, headteacher of Amherst Junior School, said: “We are so proud of the children's efforts over the years. I am always amazed at the enthusiasm and dedication each year of staff and children to raise as much as possible.

“Special thanks must go to Derry Wiltshire, our previous Headteacher, who left such a wonderful legacy of fundraising for the British Heart Foundation.”

Simon Gillespie, chief executive of the BHF, praised the school and the community for its support at the school’s annual BHF awards assembly, where he presented the young champions with sporting prizes.

Mr Gillespie said: "For 24 years generations of students at Amherst School have helped power our life-saving research by taking part in this annual event.

"To raise over £153,000 is an amazing achievement, and I would like to thank the school and the community for their enormous generosity and support.

“Cardiovascular disease can affect anyone at any age, and continues to blight the lives of over seven million people across the UK. Every pound raised will help us fund ground-breaking research that will help us win the fight against these devastating conditions.”

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