Malvern College girls do their bit for Diamond Jubilee

Six sixth form girls from Malvern College spent their free time over the weekend in the foyer of Waitrose in Great Malvern, collecting signatures from the community for a card they have designed to send to Her Majesty The Queen to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee. The card, kindly sponsored by Aldine Print, brings together a combination of iconic images of Malvern and the official Diamond Jubilee emblem; its message reads: "Congratulations Your Majesty, Thank you for your 60 years of service".

Student Jess Coulman said: "We had a fantastic response from the public. Over 1200 people signed the card and several also wrote a personal message to express their gratitude to the Queen. It was lovely to experience first hand the affection our community has for the Queen."

The girls are also sending the Queen a very suitable gift; a jeroboam, not of champagne but Holywell Spring Water fresh from the Malvern Hills. "This is a brilliant idea and I am delighted to provide this limited edition bottle for Her Majesty," said Old Malvernian Rhys Humm, now of Holywell Spring. "Malvern spring water has been enjoyed by royalty for centuries, it is a lasting link between the monarchy and our community."

As well as taking signatures, the girls were also raising awareness and funds for Wings of Hope, a charity that sponsors education in developing countries. "Many people were very interested in the work of the charity," said Rebecca Raby-Smith. "We are so privileged in this country in terms of the education we receive; it's lovely that so many people wanted to join us in sharing this privilege with those who are less fortunate. As one lady said "education is everything!"