THE festive season got off to a spectacular start at Kidderminster Academy, after they organised a successful charity event with Marks and Spencer’s Weavers Wharf store.

Over 100 people attended the festive fundraiser in aid of Cancer Research UK.

Academy students and staff based in The Piano Building served up all things festive, from a Christmas meal and party food ideas to tree decorating and gift wrapping techniques.

Guests then went across to Marks and Spencer, where they enjoyed a personal shopper experience, involving party wear, food and accessories. Over £1,000 was raised during the event.

Peter Tomlinson, chair of the Cancer Research UK Wyre Forest Committee, was delighted with the success of the event.

He said: “It’s been wonderful to see two of our charity supporters come together to create such a unique evening. Both Academy students and the team at Marks and Spencer utilised their skills and expertise to great effect, ensuring that everyone who came along had an enjoyable time.

“An event like this shows just what can be achieved when people work together. Hopefully it will inspire others to hold similar activities in the run up to Christmas and in the New Year, which our committee would be happy to support.”

Hannah Guest, an event planning and tourism student at the Academy, said: “I was really pleased at how successful the event was. The students were all keen to get into the festive spirit, especially because the event was a continuation of the fundraising we have been involved in for Cancer Research UK throughout the year.

“We all gained some invaluable experience of event management and working with different organisations. It’s also spurred us on to come with something even bigger and better for next year.”