CHINESE New Year will mark a very special anniversary for one Wirral school after two decades of fundraising for some of the country's poorest regions.

This year sees the 20th year of fundraising by students at West Kirby Grammar School to improve educational and living facilities in China.

West Kirby pupils have collected nearly £70,000 through different fund raising projects – money which has gone on to build two new schools and help earthquake victims.

This year, the money will pay for new beds and bedding for 130 children in the Sichuan region who have lost parents or been abandoned by relatives who are no longer able to care for them.

In July, 73 West Kirby students will take part in the school’s annual trip to China to see how their fundraising efforts are making a difference.

Deputy headteacher Kirsty Whiteley said: “I’ve had the privilege of visiting some of the regions that have benefited from the school’s fund raising efforts.

“These children have so little it’s amazing the difference that the money make.

“Our students know they are very lucky to be able to come to school and receive a good education so it’s a humbling experience when they are able to see what life is like in these areas.”

Every year the school raises thousands of pounds through sponsored walks and other activities.

This year they have set themselves a £10,000 target to provide vital supplies for young children who were made homeless following the 2008 Sichuan earthquake.

The school is also holding a series of special Chinese New Year themed assemblies in the run up to this year’s Year of the Goat celebrations on Thursday, February 19.