AMHERST PTA were shocked and thrilled to be gifted all the money they needed for a new trim trail at last night’s Barclays Champion Charities Awards ceremony.

Representatives from the 14 shortlisted charities attended the St Pierre Park event, where more than £34,000 was shared out between the good causes.

Amherst School received the biggest share of the award, £7,000.

PTA chairwoman Carla Gill said the school had expected only a few hundred pounds towards the project. Instead the money would cover all of the equipment.

‘We had not expected this at all,’ she said. ‘This will mean everything for the children.’