PUPILS at a York secondary school have said a special thank you to the city's former Lord Mayor.

In April during her year as Lord Mayor, Cllr Julie Gunnell visited to York High School in Acomb to take part in a ceremony to inaugurate the first ever head boy, head girl and team of prefects.

As a thank you the pupils offered to organise a non uniform day to raise funds for the Lord Mayor’s Charities IDAS and the Jack Raine Foundation.

The day took place in June and raised £550 for the charities.

Head teacher David Ellis said: “We were delighted that the Lord Mayor could be part of our special day in April and it is typical of our students that they wanted to say thank you in a way that helped others. We are really pleased that we have raised such a large amount for two charities that make such a difference to the lives of young people.”

When she found out about the amount of money raised Councillor Gunnell said: “Wow – that is truly amazing! I am so so proud that the students have achieved this it has really made my day.”

Head boy, Liam Cates and head girl Sasha Green, said: “We are really grateful that all of the pupils at York High took part in the non uniform day and helped raise such an impressive amount. It was great for us to meet Cllr Gunnell when she was the Lord Mayor and we hope that this donation is a good way of saying thank you.”