MORE than 500 children have set out to bring extra kindness into their villages.

For two weeks, the youngsters from Great Lumley and Woodstone are carrying out small acts of kindness for their friends, relatives and neighbours.

Each act will be recorded on their personal record card.

The scheme, called Cool to be Kind, is part of a Christian initiative called A Million Acts of Kindness that is being held across the country throughout the month.

It is being supported by Great Lumley Methodist Church, Christ Church Lumley and Lumley Evangelical Church.

The three schools taking part are Great Lumley Junior School, Great Lumley Infants School and Woodlea Primary School.

The Reverend Brigitta Steele, of Great Lumley Methodist Church, said: "This is about showing kindness to the people around us, which would be a good idea for children and for adults as well.

"We are trying to explain to the children that it doesn't take a lot to be kind, and we shouldn't expect something back for it."

Cool to be Kind will culminate in a coffee morning in Great Lumley community centre, on Saturday, between 10am and noon, when the children will return their records cards.

Every child taking part will receive a certificate.