STUDENTS wore facepaint and fancy dress to take part in a Rag Parade through York at the weekend.

A team from the University of York took part in the annual Raising And Giving (RAG) parade through the city, with this year’s costumes themed around animals.

About 30 students from three of the university's colleges braved the cold weather to part in Saturday’s parade, which was the culmination of this year’s fundraising events.

Anu Priya, volunteering and fundraising coordinator, said: "The whole week has been brilliant. We have been fundraising for amazing charities."

She said the students, who were led by Samba York, had a good reception in town, with people stopping to dance and speak with them.

The Rag Parade was the final fundraising push following a week of efforts including a pub quiz, karaoke, scavenger hunt, club night and bake off.

This year, the fundraising week – organised by the Students’ Union – will donate funds to Action for Children, IDAS, The Island, York Neighbours, SASH, St. Nicks, Mind, Age UK and Yorkshire Cancer Research.