PUPILS from a Norton school have spent the past year fundraising for a local charity.

The youngsters from Red House School chose Daisy Chain as the school's charity for 2003.

Throughout the year, they have carried out a series of events, including a jogathon and non-uniform days.

Teachers at the school also got involved and successfully completed the Three Peaks Challenge mountain race. In total, they raised £3,369.

The charity is the dream of Lesley and Duane Hanson, whose eight-year-old son, Jacob, is autistic.

They would like to open a £1.5m respite centre at a former farm in Calf Fallow Lane, Norton, and have already raised about £500,000.

The school's cheque was presented to Mrs Hanson by Alex Armstrong.

Mrs Hanson said: "We are grateful for all the hard work and effort that went into raising this money."