PUPILS and staff have foregone the seasonal tradition of sending cards to raise money for charity.

Youngsters at Hurworth School, Maths and Computing College have been joined by their teachers in collecting money for the developing country aid agency World Vision.

Staff have donated the money they would have normally spent on Christmas cards for each other.

Enterprising pupils Jamie Roberts, Jason Simpson and Matthew Stirland encouraged others to contribute their change from visits to the school's tuck shop and canteen.

With a non-uniform day that was held yesterday, the school expected to raise £600 to buy equipment for communities in Africa.