Virtual pet show helps Prince’s Trust

Working around the restrictions of the pandemic, the school’s Prince’s Trust charity team is asking for photographs showcasing the best and cutest pets, for a suggested donation of £2, with cash and pet hamper prizes in three categories - dogs, cats and other animals.

With more than 50 adorable pet photos already entered to the Instagram competition, the closing date is March 10 and winners will be announced later in the month.

All money raised will go towards the Prince’s Trust, which helps young people all over the UK build their confidence and skills and supports them into jobs, education and training.

Organiser Alice Simmerson, who has entered he own dog, Flo, into the virtual pet show, said: “I feel confident that, despite lockdown, we can achieve our aims to raise a large sum of money for such a good cause.”

Student Molly Acton added that she and the other members of the 13-strong RGS Prince’s Trust team feel strongly about helping young people adversely affected by the pandemic.

Many of those the charity supports are in or leaving care, facing issues such as homelessness or mental health problems, or have been in trouble with the law.

“I feel proud to be raising money for this charity despite being us all being confined to home. Even though we may be struggling to control our own lives, we can still help others.

“With education interrupted, the loss of apprenticeships and increasing youth unemployment, young people especially have suffered.”

Visit Instagram rgsvirtualpetshow2021