Youngsters at South Darley Primary School have been creating their own boxes of chocolates to raise funds for the Haiti earthquake appeal.

The project has involved making three different types of chocolates – mascarpone swirl, fancy fudge and cherry chocolate – as well as designing and creating boxes.

The pupils visited a chocolate manufacturer and conducted market research to come up with their products.

So far the chocolates, called Classy Collection and priced at £3 a box, have raised over £150 with more orders pouring in for Mother's Day.

Headteacher Meryl Hall said: "The chocolates really are very good. I think the parents thought they should buy a box to support the appeal but have been really taken aback by the quality."

She added: "The response has been absolutely brilliant and we have managed to sell about 50 boxes so far. It started out as a project to help the children develop their skills and has really taken off.

"Since the Haitian disaster the children have taken the bull by the horns and have really gone for it to try and raise money."