A Mitcham school is hoping a news club will help broaden its students' education after it received a £1000 donation to get it started.

Andriana Samouel, head teacher of Sherwood School where the Burney News Club project will be run, said the generosity shown by the Pollards Hill Co-op store to gift them the money was overwhelming

“Not only will the Burnett News club be a fun and exciting opportunity, it will further benefit our children's broader education through the development of communication skills, self-confidence and awareness of issues that affect the wider world.”

The New Club is part of a larger project which is run by The Economist Educational Foundation, an independent charity set up by The Economist newspaper.

Matthew Young, Co-op regional manager said that young people would be able to develop critical thinking skills through open discussions about current affairs.

"Co-op recognises just how important clubs like these are to in the development of young people’s thinking and we’re absolutely thrilled that we can help fund the news club for the pupils of Sherwood School," he said.

"It’s great that these sessions encourage young people to be curious about the world’s biggest ideas and challenges, and consider what should be done about them.”