A new legacy project to ‘inspire’ hardworking youngsters at Sidmouth College has been launched.

The Lions Club of Sidmouth has begun its annual Sidmouth College Annual Pledge by donating £1,074 to fund 50 pupils to benefit from an adventure and leadership event.

The year nine youngsters have been chosen due to their effort and will visit Exeter’s Haven Banks Education Centre in May.

The club set up the initiative to mark its 40th anniversary with the aim of supporting young people.

Alan Shoesmith, president of the Lions, said: “We believe that this legacy project will prove to be of substantial benefit to college students at an important stage of their education.

“Subject to the Lions club’s continued fundraising success, there will now be an annual award funding similar events to inspire students to succeed for many years to come.”

The pledge has been launched to coincide with the launch of Lions Clubs International’s 100th anniversary as the cause has challenged its clubs to establish a legacy project.

Principal James Ingham-Hill added: “As a college, we are delighted and honoured to have the chance to work alongside the Lions club to create the legacy project. Over the next few years, this partnership will ensure that hundreds of Sidmouth College students are given the opportunity to take part in an exciting enrichment opportunity.”