An Abergavenny school has received a £1,000 grant to launch a new mental health programme for its pupils.

King Henry VIII School, on Old Hereford Road, has been handed the gift from Persimmon Homes East Wales as part of the housebuilder’s re-launched Building Futures campaign.

The school is fundraising to develop a programme to promote mental health, wellbeing and relationships amongst its Year Nine to 11 students.

Jake Parkinson, of the school, said: “This is tremendous news and a real boost for the school.

“We are proud to be a school that focusses on wellbeing but want to do more. We have embedded a successful anti-bullying peer support programme run by Year 12 students and wish to build on this model with our new initiative.

“We can’t thank Persimmon enough.”

Persimmon is giving away £1million through the Building Futures programme. The campaign aims to support community groups working with under-18s across three categories – education & arts, health and sport.

A total of 128 grants of £1,000 will be awarded across Persimmon’s 32 regional businesses to improve local facilities and the delivery of vital community projects.

Three initiatives will go on to win £100,000 each through a national online public vote. The winners will be named at a gala dinner for finalists in October.

In each sector – education & arts, health and sport – as well as the £100,000 first prize, there will be a £50,000 second prize and a £20,000 third prize, while a further 87 shortlisted projects will each receive £5,000.

Victoria Williams, sales director at Persimmon Homes East Wales, said: “We’re delighted to help King Henry VIII School. It’s a great school and they really go the extra mile to help their pupils with their emotional needs.

“Building Futures is all about helping young people and youth groups in our area. We’re accepting entries until the end of May so we’d urge more people to apply by visiting www.persimmonhomes.com/charity”

Persimmon is currently selling homes in Abgergavenny at The Willows on Maindiff Drive. Househunters interested in securing a property at that development can visit www.persimmonhomes.com or call 01873 770 329 for more information.