The local community got behind the efforts of pupils and staff to raise a total of £3,170 for five charities.

The sold-out Strictly Newbattle event in December saw 16 members of staff give up their own time over two months to learn a dance routine from scratch, with the support of two professional instructors.

Pupils were involved in the marketing, filming, lighting and music of the show, and there was also face painting and the chance to be photographed with Pudsey Bear on the night.

S5 pupil Sam Wylie (16), who sang at the event, said: "I think stuff like that is more helpful than collecting because people don't want to give something for nothing – they get something back. It's something different too."

Fraser Falconer, head of the BBC Children in Need Appeal in Scotland, visited the school to collect the £1,330 raised at the event.

The school's annual Stars in Your Eyes event raised £600 for Richmond's Hope, a charity which supports bereaved youngsters throughout the Lothians.

A dress-down day raised £750 for victims of the Haiti earthquake.

Maths teacher and chairwoman of the school's charities committee, Rachel Forbes said: "A lot of pupils were saying 'I saw the photos and saw it on the news and I really want to do something to help'.

"They were all talking about it – it had a huge affect on them. It's the most money we've ever raised from a dress-down day.

"We do get a really good response. Parents are really pleased with what's going on and there's a good community spirit."

The charities committee also donated £200 to Goodwill Children's Homes in southern India.

A total of £300 was raised for the Rotary Club's polio and Purple Pinkie appeals.

Calum Mackie (17) said: "We were in assemblies and all the year groups watched a video explaining what is being done to eradicate polio. At break and lunchtimes we were going round collecting money and I was surprised by how much we got.

"There's been so many different charity appeals but every time there's a big amount of money raised. Everybody still gets behind it and puts money in."

Head teacher Colin Taylor said: "It is very important that young people see raising money for those less well off as an important part of their education. Our young people gain a lot from being involved in the various charity events."

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