STUDENTS at Stonyhurst are giving up a week of their time so that children with special needs can have a holiday at the college.

Kind-hearted youngsters at the world-famous Jesuit college near Clitheroe have been raising funds to pay for the holiday for youngsters from New Field School, Blackburn, Primrose Hill School, Burnley, and White Ash School, Oswaldtwistle.

The Stonyhurst sixth-formers will be looking after 39 children aged between eight and 14, each of them taking round-the-clock responsibility for one child.

Larry Crouch, the college head of English and chairman of the Stonyhurst Children's Holiday Trust, said: "We are a registered charity which exists to provide a good holiday every year for local disabled children. It is a chance to share our wonderful facilities with others.

"It is an extremely enriching experience for the students and almost life-changing. They provide 24-hour care and by the end of the week are exhausted. It's a massive commitment."

The students aim to give the children a fantastic time, with activities including a disco and sports day, as well as trips out.

"The week will give the children a wonderful holiday and their carers a welcome break. The children are given the opportunity to come back for a second year and nearly all of them do!" Mr Crouch added.