Money-raising adventures for South American trip

A JAMES Bond-themed casino night helped intrepid students raise money for a life-changing trip. Thirteen students and two teachers from Helena Romanes School depart for Ecuador in three weeks time to help indigenous communities conserve the environment. T

A JAMES Bond-themed casino night helped intrepid students raise money for a life-changing trip.

Thirteen students and two teachers from Helena Romanes School depart for Ecuador in three weeks time to help indigenous communities conserve the environment.

They each need �4000 for the month-long excursion - which includes a stint on the Galapagos Islands - and fundraising has been ongoing for months.

The latest event, held at the school on Friday, proved a real success raising �1800.

Trip leader Kimberley Cross, one of the teachers accompanying the students, said: "We are extremely pleased with what has been achieved and thank everyone for supporting the event.

"Everyone looked amazing in dinner dress and was a thoroughly enjoyable evening had by all."

First price for the winner of the roulette table was a meal for two at the Starr restaurant.

Other prizes that were auctioned to the highest bidder included a ride in an Aston Martin DB9, a holiday home for a week in Portugal, a meal for two in Square 1, holistic massage, Bowens therapy treatment and a top London chef cooking at home.

There were raffle prizes, canap�s and a bar with James Bond-themed cocktails.