They were told the story of 'The Parable of the Talents' as a stimulus, given £2 each, and challenged to "make it grow".

The pupils set up small businesses, including baking sweet treats, commissioning paintings, and making friendship bracelets.

There were some large individual totals, including more than £600 raised by one family's coffee morning, but all the pupils have more than met the challenge towards the fantastic team total.

Five years ago, the school raised money for the Tsunami Disaster Fund in a similar manner and was able to link with Durham University to provide furniture and resources for a pre-school in Sri Lanka – a link which remains strong today.

The pupils are now wondering if readers know of any such project for Haiti which they could become part of.

Head Dorothy Douglas said: "I am delighted with the efforts made by the children.

"They have all increased their start-up budget by at least tenfold.
"They have also extended their entrepreneurial skills along the way, and, most importantly, enjoyed themselves," she added.

"I would like to thank their supportive parents, carers and friends who helped to make this possible."