Sixth-form pupils at an academy in Liverpool have forgone the “mandatory prom” to mark the end of school and arranged a trip to lend a helping hand to schools in Tanzania.

Students from The Academy of St Francis of Assisi have organised the trip to the African country in a bid to do something more worthy than the conventional end of year celebrations.

The school, which opened in 2005, has come to the attention of Ofsted due to its work to become more environmentally friendly.

It was the first school in the UK to specialise in caring for the environment and green features include solar panels on the roof to collect rainwater to flush the toilets.

Pupils have already raised half of the #163;38,000 needed to send 11 pupils and two teachers to Tanzania in July.

They will help take lessons at a number of schools while assisting with renovation work on the school buildings.

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, academy vice-principal Steve McElroy said the idea of the trip came from the final year pupils, who wanted to do something more commendable than the “mandatory prom”.

Mr McElroy said: “The pupils learn about global warming and the importance of doing something about it.

“But the main thing is not the knowledge but the attitude they go out with. They are more positive when they face the world.” RV.