A SCHOOL was transformed into an academy of withcraft and wizardry earlier this month, raising almost �10,000 for charity.

Students at the school in Station Road, Cheddar, dressed up as famous Harry Potter characters and took part in a series of magical events – from pie-eating to gunge dunking.

Wizard waxing saw some brave boys undergo a not-so-magical hair removal procedure, while students also went into Cheddar village’s Christmas fair to rattle buckets and raise cash.

The week is thought to have raised more than �9,000 for the school’s three nominated charities –Freewheelers, the emergency blood courier service, Merlin, which sends medical experts to front-line emergencies and the Make a Wish Foundation, which grants wishes to young people fighting life-threatening illnesses.

Headteacher Chris Richardson said: “Every year our Senior Team put their own mark on Charities Week, and this year has been no exception. I am both impressed and proud of our students for their organisation and clever ideas to make this year’s event so memorable and magical. I also thank our students, staff and parents for all their support to make Charities Week 2011 such an enjoyable success.”