DONATIONS from shoppers at the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet have gone to a Stanney High School project which aims to stamp out bullying in schools.

Over the past 12 months shoppers at the shopping complex have been throwing their loose change into the moat surrounding the canal boat feature in the food court.

Although the mammoth job of counting the cash has yet to be completed, it is hoped the final amount could reach about £1,000.

The money will help Stanney High to continue to run its One 2 One Club, which was set up 18 months ago to help reduce the number of cases of bullying at the school.

Mike Catterall, head of Year 8 who runs the One to One Club, said: 'The idea for it came from the student council.

'We run peer counselling where older children are paired up with younger ones and encouraged to discuss any problems they may be having.

'We have a designated room for people to visit and some of this money will go towards making it a more pleasant environment for the children to talk. We will also be getting display materials for around the school.'

McArthurGlen chooses a new charity to receive the moat money donation every year. Chester Zoo and Miles of Smiles have benefited from the money in the past.

Donna Howitt, regional marketing manager at Cheshire Oaks said: 'It always amazes us how quickly the money adds up.

'It will make a real difference to the children at Stanney High School.'