Pupils at a small school have raised a huge amount of money to help save two pieces of open space from development.

St. George's Preparatory School — which has just 160 students — collected $10,500 for the Buy Back Bermuda scheme after launching a fundraising drive at the start of the year.

This week they handed a cheque to former Premier David Saul, who is spearheading the Bermuda National Trust and Audubon Society joint initiative, at a prize-giving ceremony.

He told The Royal Gazette he was "overwhelmed and elated" by how much the youngsters raised.

"It is absolutely astonishing that this primary school, long known for its high academic standards, should have been able to raise such a high figure," he said.

"This large sum represents over $62 from each and every student. If the campaign could only raise half that amount, say $30, from every adult in Bermuda who cares about the loss of open space, we could close our campaign next week.

"I praise the students for raising such a large sum and for acting as a role model to the adults of Bermuda. These youngsters are the future of this Island and they can take justifiable pride in what they have achieved."

Buy Back Bermuda is aiming to raise $2.5 million to buy and preserve 11 acres of open space comprising Eve's Pond in Hamilton Parish and land near Evans Bay Pond, Skroggins Hill, Southampton.

Almost $2 million has been donated since last November but Dr. Saul said the last $500,000 would be the most difficult to raise.

St. George's Prep — a government aided school, for pupils aged five to 11 — did its bit by organising bake sales, town clean-ups and other events to generate cash.

Principal Mary Lodge said: "We worked hard, we did things every week. Basically, since Dr. Saul came to visit us the first time we have just kept working at it.

"I'm very proud and Dr. Saul was very taken with our lovely little school."

Donations can be made to the Buy Back Bermuda Campaign, P.O. Box HM 61, Hamilton, HM AX.