A bake-off at a boys' school has pushed a fundraising appeal over the £50,000 mark.

Pupils at St Columba's College in St Albans have devoted years to raising money for communities around the world, working with CAFOD.

The bake-off, which encouraged pupils to use Fairtrade products, raised £500 which meant the school hit a landmark.

Student, Grant Papesh, said: “The competition was fierce as there were some amazing entries this year including house themed cakes, cookie monster cakes, a cake with teacher photos, a CAFOD cake, and a cake based on this year's school play "We Will Rock You".

Teacher, Joseph Tatham, said: "We have a long tradition of working with CAFOD and our campaigns have been wide-ranging: from big fundraisers, such as world record attempts and over 12 years of sponsored bike rides to many Bake Off competitions and collections for in-school events like music concerts and book sales.

"Our boys are aware of their social responsibility towards others, and through CAFOD's superb education resources, which provide a framework for our 'Social Justice' lessons, the boys are inspired to support CAFOD's causes."

CAFOD representative in St Albans, Tony Sheen, added: “It was overwhelming to see so many young people baking with such enthusiasm and knowing it was going towards a good cause.

"We would like to say a massive thank you to all the young bakers of St Columba’s College for raising much needed funds for communities overseas and the continual support of all the teachers and students."