Enterprising students took time out from schoolwork to raise money to buy and refurbish a caravan for refugees in Calais.

Ten students at Watford Grammar School for Boys raised £400 to buy the caravan, which will be used as accommodation for unaccompanied and child refugees in France.

The boys have worked with Jungle Canopy, a charity that provides shelter and homes for people in Calais.

Pupil Ismaeel Yaqoob said the group who raised money through penalty football, cake sales and car washes were motivated by wanting to improve the lives of refugees.

He said: “In the news we see a lot of hostility but we are trying to create a bit of hope for people.”

The 15-year-old added that the project developed from a leadership programme the boys took part in with the charity Streetwise.

“We are all really proud of ourselves,” he said. “It’s actually really rewarding that at the end of this we will make a real impact and make a real difference and show it’s not just adults that can make a difference.”

Jungle Canopy chairman Dave King said he was impressed by the initiative and hard work of the students.

He said: "They are fantastic. Particularly at a time when they are busy at school.

“Young people often get a bad press but these boys are really inspirational.

“They raised the money for the whole thing for the refurbishment and crossing to Calais themselves.”

Ismaeel, who hopes to go on to a career in journalism or politics, said the group now hopes to accompany the caravan on its journey to France at the end of June.

To find out more about the work of Jungle Canopy or make a donation visit junglecanopy.org.uk