A TEAM of head girls from a Bournemouth school have pledged to support young people affected by homelessness this academic year.

Avonbourne School Head Girls' Team will be working with BCHA, the Bournemouth-based organisation that helps vulnerable people, through a number of fundraising and awareness raising initiatives.

Lauren Parrish, Ellie Watford, Beste Bektas and Isobel Hioco - students at the all girl academy - initially contacted BCHA to see how they could help.

Ellie said: "It is our generation who are going to inspire generosity, so why don't we start now."

Meanwhile, BCHA campaigns manager Paul Tucker said: "The girls approached us because they wanted to do something to help the young homeless people we support.

"They wanted to not only raise money and generate donations but also increase awareness at school about the plight of young homeless people in Bournemouth, especially as many are of a similar age.

"We are inspired by the school's compassion and drive to help combat youth homelessness through BCHA, in such a positive and structured manner.

"We are extremely grateful to them and will continue to work closely together and support what they are doing."