Pupils at Peterborough and St Margaret's School for Girls, in Common Road, raised money for Haiti today by building their own versions of the island out of coins.

The girls, who were looking for a novel way of raising money for the earthquake-hit island, decided on an inter-house competition.

Girls, aged from three to 11, took part and were asked to bring in as many coins as they could find as well as donations from their parents.

Headteacher Sue Watts said: “The girls decided on the competition as they thought it would make people bring in more coins.

“They were asking if they could do something to raise money and this has been a really good way for them to work together.”

The girls were split into their in-house teams and had half an hour to create a replica of the island of Haiti, including mountains and valleys, using the coins.

Poonam Agate, 16, said: “The competition has been really good, it's definitely something worthwhile.

“Looking at the others, our team has definitely won.”

The competition was judged by the girls geography and art teachers meaning there were points for flair as well as accuracy.

Mrs Farrell, head of art, said: “The girls always have great enthusiasm to just get in and do things like this.”

The total amount raised won't be known until someone undertakes the unenviable task of counting all the coins but early estimations from some of the girls were about £300.

The money will be donated to the DEC Haiti earthquake appeal.

Before the competition, some of the older pupils were shown a slide show of the devastation caused by the earthquake to highlight why the money is needed.

Ian Spellward, head of English, said: “The girls were really motivated about helping out.

“It's great to see pupils from so many different years working together for a great cause.”