A CHURCH and school have joined forces to work on a number of projects that will help the local community and people in need.

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in New Milton has sponsored the Arnewood School to fund four projects that will make a difference to people’s lives.

The church has donated an initial £4,700 to enable students to develop a community play scheme, refurbish the New Milton Youth Centre and to provide a manicure service for residents at a local nursing home.

Some of the sponsorship money will also go to a group of students who will be undertaking charity work in Peru this summer.

The Arnewood School’s headteacher, Chris Hummerstone, said: “We are delighted that Our Lady of Lourdes church has chosen to sponsor our school.

“Without this support the three local projects would not be able to take place.

“These projects will not only give our students a great opportunity to extend their education outside of the classroom but it will also allow them to interact with their local community in a very positive way.

“It will also enable the students who are taking part in Expedition Peru over this summer to extend the work they will be doing to support a local orphanage with the charity Elim, Cusco.”

The three local community projects will get underway from September and will involve students from all year groups.

In August, 14 students will spend four weeks in Peru supporting a local orphanage.

Father Marcin Drabik of Our Lady of Lourdes church, said: “As a church we are committed to serving the whole community.

“We want to engage in outreach and community based projects – and we particularly wanted to energise young people in community responsibility.

“We are delighted to sponsor the Arnewood School in supporting its students to help the local community and take part in projects, such as the Peru expedition, that will make a huge difference to others.”

“We are very much looking forward to hearing their achievements during the next academic year.”