PRIMARY School youngsters managed to stay silent for 15 minutes to raise money for charity.

The pupils from St John's Primary School, Shildon, raised £1,255 for the Macmillan Nurses Big Hush event.

This week some of the children who took part in the challenge presented the proceeds to specialist support assistant at the school, Wendy Marchant, who will be forwarding it to the charity.

It is the second time that the children have pulled out all the stops for the Big Hush.

Their efforts are inspired by teacher Jackie College, who lost her battle against cancer in 2003, and Mrs Marchant's mother who is fighting the disease.

Mrs Marchent said children in the nursery and infants managed to stay quiet for ten minutes and the juniors for 15 minutes.

"They did a fantastic job and I am thrilled at the amount of money that they have raised.

"The support we have had from staff at the school, friends and parents is tremendous.

"I am especially proud because we took part in the Big Hush not long after they raised so much money for the Tsunami appeal. They always take part in everything we do with such enthusiasm."