PUPILS at a New Forest school are preparing to take part in a national initiative to support the homeless community.

In March next year, 33 students from Ringwood School sixth form will walk 13 miles throughout the night across London to raise at least £8,250 for The Big Issue Foundation.

Ringwood School is the only school in the UK to be taking part in the Big London Night Walk and will be joined by 500 other individuals who want to help Big Issue vendors on their individual journeys towards a better life.

Students from the Parsonage Barn Lane school have taken part in the Big London Night Walk since 2010 and this year are aiming to raise at least £250 each, a total of £8,250.

Money raised from the event will go to Big Issue vendors to help them move away from the streets.

Along with the night walk, the students are planning a range of fundraising activities, including car washing, open mic sessions and dressing up in ‘bin bag fashion’.

Helen Hoff, senior cover supervisor at Ringwood School, said: “Over the last seven years, the Big Issue Big London Night Walk has been a powerful way for our Sixth Form students to consider the issues surrounding homelessness.

"It also provides them with the opportunity to meet and chat to the vendors themselves.

"The 13-mile walk is a challenge both physically and emotionally, as alongside the excitement of the capital lit up at night, the reality of sleeping rough is evident. Our students never fail to be moved."

More information about the students fundraising efforts go to www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/bigissue/ringwoodnightwalk.