CHILDREN from the Alresford area are set to raise thousands of pounds for St John Ambulance by giving money in return for not wearing school uniform.

Seven schools - Perins Community School, Sun Hill Infants and Juniors and the primary schools in Cheriton, Ropley, Preston Candover and Four Marks - all held a free dress day in support of the charity.

Each student paid £1 to come to school in clothes of their choice. It is hoped the schools will raise £2,000, approximately ten per cent of the cost of a new ambulance for the Alresford district.

Val Stone, the Alresford divisional president of St John Ambulance, said: "We have raised £8,500 so far, however, we need to raise £22,500 for a new ambulance for the Alresford area.

"This £2,000 raised by local schools is a really super contribution. We hope that some of the children involved will be interested in joining the St John Ambulance service in the future."

The ambulance will be available for hire by other organisations and can be used as a mini bus. It has wheelchair access.