KIDDERMINSTER College students have raised almost £300 in aid of military heroes.

Young people from the Entry Level 3 in Bridging course, which is designed for those with moderate learning difficulties, organised a five-kilometre walk around Brinton Park and generated sponsorship of £292.50 for the charity Forces Support.

Eight students planned the event as part of their community action unit and more than 40 people participated in the physical challenge.

Jan Dearden, the foundation and community studies programme leader at Kidderminster College, said: “The students learned valuable skills and gained experience of working with the wider community.

“Their confidence has improved so much through this initiative.”

Peter Elcock, head of fundraising and communications at Forces Support, added: “It was absolutely fantastic that the young people chose to support us. This amount of money will go a long way.”

Forces Support is a Kidderminster-based charity that was set up in honour of servicemen and women who have been killed in action in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts.

It provides general home and garden maintenance for grieving families, helping to complete odd jobs during a difficult time.

In the past year the charity carried out 30 projects and has a current waiting list of around eight months.

The group is seeking volunteers, donations and fundraisers to help it reduce the backlog of 50 families awaiting assistance.

For more details visit forcessupport.org.uk