A YEAR 10 student at a Kidderminster school is fundraising to help animals affected by the devastating wildfires in Australia.

After seeing the news coverage about the wildfires' catastrophic impact on native wildlife, Heathfield Knoll student Abigail Hodgetts set about organising a charity raffle in support of the Taronga Conservation Society's emergency appeal.

The society is raising funds to protect the vulnerable wildlife caught up in the Australian wildfires and 15-year-old Abigail's fundraising will be used to support breeding and release programmes for the surviving animals in their restored habitats.

A raffle will be held at the Severn Valley Railway's King and Castle Pub on Friday, January 24.

Tickets are available at the Comberton Hill pub and at Bewdley Rowing Club.

Prizes have been donated by local businesses including Venture Photography, Brockencote Hall and Drayton Manor and West Bromwich Albion has gifted a signed football.

Heathfield Knoll headteacher Lawrence Collins said: "We have all been shocked by the devastation of the wildfires in Australia.

"Abigail loves animals and is such a caring pupil. I am so proud that she has decided to raise much-needed funds for the Taronga Conservation Society.”

To help support Abigail and her efforts to help save, recover and restore the Australian wildlife, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/kateabigail-forthewild.