PEOPLE throughout the region left their work attire at home yesterday and dressed in jeans to raise money for sick children.

National Jeans for Genes day inspired thousands of adults and children to dress down and donate money to eight charities looking after youngsters with genetic disorders.

Among those taking part were the workers at Asda in Darlington and staff at The Northern Echo.

St Andrew's Primary School, at Henknowle, Bishop Auckland, managed to raise £80 for the appeal which will be donated to charities for people with genetic disorders or illnesses.

Headteacher Dave Hutchinson said that the children loved the day, not only because it was a giant fashion show but because it is a special cause.

He said: "They all enjoyed the chance to wear their favourite clothes to school and show their classmates.

"But the staff, and many of the children, know how important it is to support Jeans for Genes because a former pupil of the school has cystic fibrosis and still has siblings at the school.

"It is especially nice to support a cause when children understand it helps someone they know about."