A NURSERY in Stockton has become the first in the North-East to link up with The Finlay Cooper Fund to raise funds for the children’s charity.

Staff and children at The Montessori People nursery will take part in a series of activities throughout the year to aid the fund, which supports a range of children’s causes.

This will include two staff members, Michelle Tudor and Angela Stanton, taking part in the gruelling Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge in June and the Great North Run in September. They have pledged to raise a minimum of £300 each and The Montessori People will match their sponsorship.

The twosome have been stepping up their training activities in preparation for the physical tests, including evening walks to Roseberry Topping wearing head torches.

Michelle Tudor, managing director of The Montessori People will be taking part in the challenges and said: “We decided to partner with Finlay Cooper fund as we wanted to work with a charity that made a difference to children suffering with a range of illnesses and disabilities. We also felt it crucial that we work with children in the Teesside and surrounding areas.

The nursery is also involving its children in the fundraising by holding as many events as possible including dress up days, fun days, a fashion show, a family five-a-side football tournament and more.

Graham Fordy, trustee of the Finlay Cooper Fund said: “We are delighted to be the official charity of The Montessori People. What better relationship than one with an organisation that works with children?”

Parents have expressed their support for choosing a charity which supports children.

Organisations which benefit from the Finlay Cooper Fund include Zoe’s Place, Butterwick Children’s Hospice, The Children’s Diabetes Unit at James Cook Hospital and many more.