REPRESENTATIVES from two charities which help young people visited Okehampton College last week, to each receive a £500 cheque raised through the college’s Titanic Ball.

The college PTFA fundraiser in February raised £1,000, which has been split equally between the Ronald McDonald House in Bristol and Jeremiah’s Journey in Plymouth.

The Ronald McDonald House provides a home from home for families from across the South West whose children are receiving treatment at the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children.

Jeremiah’s Journey helps children and young people coping with the death or terminal illness of a parent or another close family member.

The ball organisers chose the charities because they have helped families connected to the college.

Frankie Burrows, fundraising and events coordinator for the Ronald McDonald House Bristol, said: ‘We are so grateful to all who worked hard on the ball as well as all those who attended and donated.

‘The £500 raised will enable us to replace the tired and worn out carpet in one of our family bedrooms with a new laminate floor to refresh the space for the many families who stay with us.’

The ball back in February was largely organised by the students, with help from PTFA members who are parents and teachers.

The three-course banquet was created by GCSE students, music was provided by the College Big Band and A level photography students took photos of everyone in their finery in a Titanic-era period photobooth created by a parent.

Teacher and PTFA treasurer Carol Chapman, one of the organisers, said the Titanic theme had been chosen to give everyone the chance to dress up. ‘It was a tremendous effort by everyone, real teamwork.’