SCHOOLS throughout the region are being urged to take part in The Big Hush to help children with cancer.

Every year, the Macmillan cancer charity holds a sponsored silence in schools to raise money.

This year, the event has been called The Big Hush and Macmillan organisers are looking for schools willing to join in.

Caroline Peacock, joint manager of the Macmillan Cancer Relief County Durham appeal, said the inspiring story of three-year-old Karl Hangston, from Liverpool, who made a full recovery from cancer, should spur all children to help the appeal.

"Our schools have done fantastically well in the past, two in particular have both raised more than £800 on previous occasions," said Ms Peacock.

"The star performers have been the infant school and nursery unit at Consett and Hunwick Primary School near Bishop Auckland."

"Now we need lots of other schools in the North-East to sign up for The Big Hush and try to go one better."

Karl was a year old when he was diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer.

He was looked after by the Macmillan nurses in the children's cancer hospital in Liverpool and amazed everyone when he made a full recovery.

Fundraisers in County Durham can donate money to the local appeal, which is well on the way to raising the £600,000 needed to improve support services.

For more information about The Big Hush, which will take place on Friday, February 13, contact 0191 378 1188.