A HUMBLE Wee County secondary school has reached a fresh six figure milestone supporting one of the UK's largest cancer charities.

Following this year's annual fundraising drive, Alva Academy announced it has raised a total of £500,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The running total, which stretches over the past 21 years, now stands at £501,102.49 and was revealed during a special school assembly on Friday, when pupils and members of the community received thanks for everything they have done over the past more than two decades.

Led by the S6 cohort each year, pupils have been raising funds through a variety of activities in and out of school, culminating in the academy's very own Macmillan Coffee Morning.

Their efforts, and the generosity of the public, never ceases to amaze music teacher David Clifford, who along with wife Kirsty and colleague Shiona Finn support the young people in their activities each year.

David said: “Shiona, Kirsty and I would like to thank every one of the 4,000 or so pupils, all the staff and the wider Clacks community who contributed over the past 20 years.

“Never in half a million years did we thing we would be able to raise so much for just one of the charities we support.”

Writing on social media on the night the total was revealed, he said: “I'm not really sure how to find the words to describe the feeling tonight.

“As everyone will know, we don't do this for the money, although we know just how far this goes to helping so many families.”

The teacher added: “A number of years ago we genuinely cried when we realised we had raised over £250,000.

“Today, however, we smashed through a monumental milestone.

“To have raised over half a million pounds beggars belief!”

From the first cake sold 21 years ago, to the last crumb eaten last week, he thanked all involved for raising not just funds, but also awareness for the good cause.

Headteacher Scott McEwan is always blown away by the effort.

He said: “We are so proud of our school community and our fabulous Macmillan Team in reaching this extraordinary milestone.

“The hard work and commitment of the team and our young people exemplifies Alva Academy's core value of service and their determination to give back to those in need is humbling.

“They are amazing.”

There were plenty of highlights from this year's fundraising efforts, from individual and group sponsored events to the musical evening, involving other schools as well, to the Macmillan ceilidh and more.

More than £43,000 was raised this year alone.