A SCHOOLBOY has raised over £250 for charity over lent.

Eleven-year-old son Taylor Fairrington dedicated the fasting period to supporting St Cuthbert’s Hospice in Durham.

Taylor, from Chester-le-Street, donated his own pocket money, baked cheese scones to sell at school, done odd jobs and asked friends and family for donations.

Proud mother Jacky Fairrington said: “He decided to do something different for lent this year, rather than going without something for 40 days, he decided to find a local charity that he would spend the time raising money for.

“He wrote a note to them telling them what he planned to do and they sent a lovely card back acknowledging his campaign.

“So far he has raised over £250, which we believe is a remarkable achievement and we are sure the hospice will be delighted to learn how much he has raised.

“The final total will be tallied up at the end of next week and we hope to contact the hospice to arrange to take the money in.”