A 16-YEAR-OLD boy wants Darton High School’s student council to rethink the way it intends to spend money raised on Red Nose Day.

Dan Bamforth was outraged when he discovered only half the cash would go to Comic Relief and the rest would be kept for projects pupils pick themselves.

“I feel shocked by this and have made my views well known” said Dan, who has organised a petition signed by hundreds of pupils and staff.

Darton High's Community Citizenship Co-ordinator Jayne Kaye said the council decided months ago that some of the money should be used for pupil led activities and localised charities. A letter to that effect was sent out early this month.

She added: “The school is delighted that students feel so passionately about raising money for charity. However, those students who choose not to be involved in a democratic process by attending student council ought not to complain by the decision made by their fellow students. As adults we shouldn't complain about which party is in Government if we haven't voted. This is an important lesson for us all.”

Dan’s friends are backing him. Charles Banyard, 16, is keen to raise money for school, but believes all money raised on Red Nose Day should go to Comic Relief. Dan will attend student council on Tuesday to try to get the decision reversed.

He is also determined to ensure all classes have a student representative. Leader of the student council, Rebecca Wood has suggested all forms elect a representative so that everyone can have their say.