A CHARITY has been awarded a four-figure grant following a day of deliberation at a Wee County secondary school.

Pupils at Alva Academy vied with one another to have their chosen charity given the £3,000 as part of the final of the youth and philanthropy initiative (YPI).

The event took place on December 4 after pupils took part in a range of community-based activities while on the quest for their Duke of Edinburgh award.

The final was used to broadcast one of the school's core values of service with six groups representing their chosen charities.

Charities chosen by the pupil groups included Pets as Therapy, Women's Aid, Action in Mind, Re-engage, The Food Train and Wellbeing Scotland, all of whom were represented in the final with all pupil's placing enthusiasm and compassion for their charities.

After careful deliberation from judges, it was decided that Action in Mind would be awarded the £3,000 grant.

The event was celebrated with the attendance of all S2 and S3 pupils, members of the public and charity representatives coming together to support the school's programme.

Ms Teasdale, a teacher at the school, told the Advertiser: "Pupils were a credit to themselves and their local community with many going on to working with their chosen charity as part of their Duke of Edinburgh award.

"The outstanding efforts were celebrated with S6 pupils hosting the event along with musical pieces performed by the school's talented choir as well as instrumental pieces from senior pupils."

The religious, moral and philosophical studies teacher added that the competition was a great opportunity for the students as it will test a number of their core skills.

She said: "YPI is an active citizenship programme empowering young people to make a difference in their communities while developing vital skills for life, learning and work.

"YPI has positively engaged secondary school students across Scotland and awarded £4million pounds to small, local, social service charities.

"Students at our school have recently taken part in YPI; in teams, they have been researching social issues in our community and creating engaging and persuasive presentations on local charities they believe are best placed to tackle these issues."

Ms Teasdale added: "At the final, the winning teams from each class will be presenting in front of a large audience and a panel of high-profile judges, in support of their chosen charities.

"This event promises to be an inspiring, exciting and dramatic occasion as one team will be awarded a £3,000 grant towards their chosen charity."