SCHOOLCHILDREN have raised more than £300 for a children's hospice.

Youngsters in form 7MC at Bedale High School were each given a tube of Smarties by Ian Marr, of Bedale Community Education.

The pupils were asked to bring the tube back full of coins in aid of Martin House Hospice, at Wetherby.

The class raised £106.01, and a further £195.82 through the sale of teddy bears.

Earlier this week, they presented a cheque for £301.83 to Denise Vernon, a nurse at the hospice, who came in to talk to year seven pupils about the work of hospice staff.

Form teacher Martyn Coombs said: "My class decided on their charity back in September and were fascinated to learn about the work at Martin House, which cares for boys and girls with life-limiting illnesses.

"They were amazed that the hospice relies almost entirely on charitable donations to meet the £3m running costs. We were delighted to support such a worthwhile charity."