SCHOOLCHILDREN who took a premature baby to their hearts have raised thousands of pounds for a charity that supported the family.

Year Five pupils at Burnopfield Primary School, were delighted by a visit from a thriving 14-month-old Noah and his parents Matthew Chriscoli and Michelle Van-Cliffe, who live in nearby Consett, County Durham.

The children presented a cheque for £2,347 to Tiny Lives fundraiser Louise Carroll.

Noah was born 14 weeks early, weighing only 2lb, and spent the first 11 weeks of his life on oxygen support in a special care unit at Newcastle’S Royal Victoria Infirmary. After a long recovery Noah was given the all-clear before Christmas.

Deputy head Rebecca Brunton said: “”Every year we choose a charity to raise money for. With Michelle being one of my best friend I told my class about Noah.

“I saw the support Tiny Lives gave to parents and so decided to raise money for them this year.”

She added: “Michelle made a story about Noah’s story which I showed the children. It’s very emotional.

“Michelle brought Noah in when he was still on oxygen and the children fell in love with him.”

The children came up with fundraising ideas including tuck shops, non-uniform days and a school newspaper.

Members of staff had a “dry January” with no alcohol and were joined by support staff for a colour run, which raised over £500.

Ms Carroll said: “It’s amazing how much the school has raised for Tiny Lives.

“It is only because of support of people like Burnopfield Primary School that we can continue supporting the specialist baby care unit.”