A SCHOOLGIRL has raised almost £500 for charity by organising a ‘wear a hat’ day for her classmates.

Nine-year-old Ellie Blake asked teachers if she could hold the event at Cestria Primary School, in Chester-le-Street, County Durham, at the end of last month.

They agreed and pupils came in wearing witches' hats and fireman’s helmets as well as caps and traditional woolly winter headwear.

Ellie was inspired after seeing television presenter and property expert Phil Spencer promoting the event for St Mungo’s, the homeless charity.

The event at Cestria Primary School raised £480, which is being split between St Mungo’s and the NSPCC.

Ellie’s mother, Zena Bell, said: “When we have been in Newcastle she always asks if we can give something to the men on the street.

"At Christmas, she went over and gave a young man wrapped up in a blanket something and felt really bad for him. She asked if we could buy him a cup of tea.

“She does that of her own free will. She wants to help people - it is in her nature.

“She is very kind and thoughtful.

“When she talks about what she wants to do when she is older, it is always to do with care.”

Ellie also donated £11 of her pocket money, which she had been saving up to spend at the Smiggle stationery shop in the MetroCentre.

She said: “We have to help them because they are hungry and cold and do not have enough clothes to keep themselves warm. We raised a lot of money and I am pleased everyone helped me.”