Students have earned a distinction for their university after raising £2,700 for The Prince’s Trust.

Their efforts have led to the naming of Horsforth-based Leeds Trinity as the UK’s highest earning university for the trust for the current financial year.

The eight students, who are studying a range of degrees including business, media and psychology, spent six weeks fundraising as part of their level five professional work placement.

They smashed their £2,500 target with a variety of fund-raising events including a Krispy Kreme doughnut sale, a school disco-themed night, bag packing at Guiseley Morrisons and a challenging 11-mile walk on Ilkley Moor.

The students completed the placement with the help of business mentor from The Prince's Trust, David Bradley, and Senior Lecturer at Leeds Trinity University, Dr Emma Roberts.

 Dr Roberts said: “I’m delighted with the contribution our students have made to a great cause making a difference for disadvantaged young people. The challenge was daunting and at times the team struggled, but all of this made it a superb learning curve and they have all grown personally as a result. ”

Leanne Birch, Prince’s Trust’s Head of Fundraising, North of England, added: “We are thrilled that Leeds Trinity University students have raised over £2700, providing vital funds towards our work with disadvantaged young people.

“Our work is needed now more than ever and it is essential that partnerships with institutions such as Leeds Trinity University go from strength to strength each year. Without their continued support we would not be able to reach out to the young people that need our help.”

Professional work placements are embedded into every degree at Leeds Trinity, and The Prince’s Trust has partnered with the University for the last five years to give students the opportunity to use their placement to fundraise for the charity.