Giggleswick School pupils were treated to the bonfire party of a lifetime, paid for by former pupils of the 500-year-old establishment.

In addition to the fireworks and rides the guests helped the school raise more than £1,067 for the Ananda Marga Orphanage, Mombasa.

The event which lasted for over four hours included fairground rides and attractions and food. The evening was supported by over 1,000 staff, parents and pupils. Children from Y1 & Y2 at Giggleswick Junior School made the Guy for the bonfire which was lit at 7pm. This was followed at 7.20pm by a spectacular 15 minute fireworks display.

The school’s new former pupil liaison officer, James Bellis, explained: “In our Quincentenary Year our former pupils have been treated to a whole host of celebratory events. In return they wanted to put on an event that all our current pupils will remember for years to come. They have certainly managed that.”

The school has had a longstanding relationship with the orphanage in Mombasa, and several current and former pupils have volunteered there as well as regularly supporting it with donations.

More than £280 was raised on the night and additional monies collected during the autumn term mean that over £1,067 will be sent to the orphanage this Christmas.

Headmaster Geoffrey Boult said: “It is terrific that so many children, both here in Giggleswick, and in Mombasa, benefited from this event.”

He added: “We are grateful to the Old Giggleswickian Club for their generous support.”

In its Quincentenary year pupils and staff at Giggleswick School will have raised over £5,000 for a range of other charities, including a church community centre in Nottingham, the Royal British Legion as well as many other good causes.

Much of this is raised through weekly collections and by undertaking sponsored events. Recently three members of staff took part in the “Lakeland 50” race and raised over £350 for the Orphanage while boys from Paley House organised an all-day charity football competition which raised £437 for the same cause. In the summer pupils and parents raised an additional £1500 by completing a three peaks challenge.