A GROUP of Royal Marines from Norton Fitzwarren-based 40 Commando called in to Minehead Middle School last week to pass on their expertise in assault courses.

They were more than happy to help boys from the year eight class 8RD set up an assault course in the school grounds to raise money for the military charity Help for Heroes.

Willing pupils paid 50p each to tackle the course as part of the school's year eight charity days last Wednesday and Thursday.

In all, around £800 was raised for a variety of local and national charities, including Help for Heroes, the children's ward at Musgrove Park Hospital, Barnardo's, ChildLine, SENSE for blind and deaf children, Amnesty International, Cancer Research UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, the Cinnamon Trust and the Dog's Trust.

The visiting marines even stayed on to put the put the pupils through their paces during a PE lesson.

Michelle James, head of year eight, said: "Each tutor group planned and organised a wide variety of stalls, games and activities over two lunchtimes, from car washing and cake baking to face painting.

"I'm really proud of their hard work and achievement and very grateful to parents and families for their support, as well in making the days such a resounding success for all the charities which will benefit."

Photo: Steve Guscott