THE Wee County raised tens of thousands during the World's Biggest Coffee Morning last Friday.

Chief amongst the fundraisers was Alva Academy, where the annual occasion has become a flagship event in the calendar since the school's first coffee morning for Macmillan Cancer Support in 2003.

With sponsorship money still coming in, and a fundraising concert at the academy at 6.30pm tomorrow night – open to the public, the school raised around £29,000 this year.

Teacher David Clifford, one of the dedicated staff helping S6 pupils organise the event each year on the Fundraising Committee, said it's never-ever about smashing targets.

He told the Advertiser: “We always tell the pupils that if they are in it to beat last year's total then we won't take part. It's not why we do it.

“It's about giving up our time and raising as much money as possible. Each pupil will give up their time, do sponsored events, undertake various activities and ultimately try and raise money through enjoying themselves.”

The fundraiser is also an opportunity for pupils to gain some valuable enterprise skills and experience. They can also get points towards Saltire Awards.

Senior students' sponsored events included hikes up Ben Nevis, trekking the West Highland Way, cycling from Edinburgh to Glasgow, a bingo tea, a duck race, a girls' charity football match against the Tullibody Lassies, part of Tullibody Community FC, and much more this year.

And of course the fundraising does not stop at Macmillan, charitable students also collect cash for other good causes like Breast Cancer Now and respond to fresh appeals for donations.

Local MSP Keith Brown also paid a visit to the rather extraordinary event and said it's great to see the pupils always raise a huge amount of money, but also have a great deal of fun doing it.

Other events took place all around Clackmannanshire's schools, churches, public and private buildings. At the weekend, Forefront Stage School raised £415 by holding a bake sale.

Local MP Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh, who recently moved her office to Alloa Business Centre, raised £131.30 with staff and visitors.