A NEW fundraising initiative aimed at getting youngsters to raise money for vulnerable children has been launched in schools in the North-East.

Children's charity NCH has launched the North-East Appeal, asking primary schools to take part in Cedric's Challenge - a series of fun and educational sponsored games featuring the charity's mascot Cedric the Dragon.

All money raised will go to 18 of the charity's projects in the North-East, which help the region's most vulnerable children.

These include the Tubwell Project, in Darlington, Durham and Darlington Family Mediation, as well as Community Placement North-East and Hemlington Family Resource Centre on Teesside.

Rosemary Walter, manager of NCH Youth Fundraising in the North East, said: "The beauty of the North-East Appeal is that children are being given the chance to support other local children. Children are often incredibly generous and caring.

"Every child that raises money for this appeal is making a real difference to the lives of those children in their area that need it the most."

For more information about Cedric's Challenge, contact Rosemary Walter on (01522) 545221.