PUPILS are showing support for their teacher by fundraising for her overseas trip.

Lindsay McNicholas, a PE teacher at Easington Community School, will set off for Belarus on April 27.

She has been given permission to enter the country to deliver aid to two of the areas worst affected by the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

Ms McNicholas will take much-needed stationery to two schools, three of whose pupils regularly stay with her.

To enable her to buy as much equipment as possible, Ms McNicholas asked for help from the school's pupils.

She said their response was enthusiastic.

"I have been overwhelmed by the support," she said.

"As well as children at our school raising money, I have received help from Finchale Primary School, and St Leonard's has also offered donations.

"I think I'm going to have to buy a great big hold-all to put it all in."

As part of Easington Community School's link with the two Belarussian schools, pupils are writing to those in the Mogilyov region.

It is also supporting efforts by the charity Chernobyl Children Lifeline to bring Belarussian children to the UK for respite visits.

Anyone wishing to donate money towards this can contact Ms McNicholas on 0191-527 0757.