STUDENTS from a Darlington sixth form put their heads together to raise hundreds of pounds for a mental health charity.

The teenagers, from the Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, chose MIND as their charity of the year and held a variety of fundraising events.

The main event came when the Student Association organised a Get Lined for Mind, when students were encouraged to wear stripes to college and buy sweet treats.

The Student Common Room was decorated especially for the day with stripy bunting with lots of activities going on including competitions and a mental health awareness stall.

In total, their various activities raised £3,000, of which £1,185 was given to MIND, with the remainder being shared between other charities.

James Simon, community links co-ordinator of the Student Association, said: “This year’s fundraising successes have really shown the love at the heart of our college, particularly through students embracing the simple ideal of people helping people.”

Darlington Mind CEO Gary Emerson said: “We want thank the students at QE for such a tremendous effort and for the really generous donation to the work of our charity.”

Darlington Mind is the area’s largest voluntary sector mental health agency, employing 30 staff, supported by 60 volunteers and with a turnover of over £700,000 per annum.

It provides a variety of services for 600 people with mental health problems each year.