A GEOGRAPHY classroom has been turned into a Christmas wonderland for a fundraising drive to help typhoon victims in the Philippines.

Patrick Cooke and pupils from his form 7G at Staindrop School, Staindrop, near Barnard Castle, have put up 12 Christmas trees and decked the room with 2,000 festive lights.

Mr Cooke, head of geography, said the festive fundraiser was an annual fixture in the school's calendar.

“We first did it in 2005, when we raised money for victims of the Pakistan earthquake.

“Since then, we have raised money for schools on the Jordan/Syria border and for drought relief in Zambia.”

He added: “Last year, we supported an appeal for the Syrian refugee crisis and this year what we raise will go to Save The Children to help those affected by the Philippines typhoon.

“All this fits in with what we do with geography.”

In return for enjoying their lessons in a Christmas atmosphere, pupils give a donation.

An online fundraising page has been set up at justgiving.com/staindropchristmaslights and donations of up to £10 can also be made by texting lilt99 to 70070.

A giant yellow rubber duck is also being raffled.

“We normally raise between 750 and £1,000 each year and since 2005 I would say we have raised more than £5,000 in total,” added Mr Cooke.