PUPILS rose to the challenge after being joined by their family for a special charity bake off.

Students at Marchbank Free School, in Darlington, spent a morning in the kitchen baking cakes and biscuits for a special event.

Every year the school stages a coffee morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, raising much-needed funds for research into the disease.

Alfie Vickers, eight, was joined by his mum Lisa and nan Julia Spencer, while Carl Davidson, eight, was helped by his mum Amanda Jack and fellow pupil Larisa Beale, nine, in baking and decorating the tasty treats.

Lisa said: “It is a really good cause and nice to come into school to help out. It raises money for and awareness about cancer and everyone has a good time too.”

Principal Mandy Southwick added: “Cancer is something that touches nearly all of our lives so it is important to support charities like Macmillan.

“We love having parents in school so they can see why their children make such good progress at Marchbank.”