CHILDREN at a County Durham primary school were so touched by the plight of the victims of the Boxing Day tsunami that they have worked tirelessly to raise money.

Yesterday, pupils at St John's Primary School, Shildon, stepped back in time to the 1970s to try to boost funds to send to the shattered communities in south-east Asia.

Their efforts, backed by parents and teachers, have raised more than £500 for the cause.

Learning support assistant Lisa Turnbull said the youngsters had desperately wanted to do something to help.

She said: "They asked us if they could do something as soon as they returned to school and they have given up their time and pocket money, as well as holding a series of events.''

A talent show hosted by Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne (alias Mrs Turnbull and colleague Kath Bennett) started the fundraising. It was followed by collections of loose change and a fashion show and 1970s day yesterday.

Mrs Turnbull said: "The school cook made 850 biscuits to sell and the girls designed their own clothes for the fashion show.''

The final total of £511.50 will be delivered to communities who are trying to rebuild their lives in Sri Lanka, through a contact at the school who will visit the area this weekend.

Mrs Turnbull said: "We are proud of them. They have been really generous and thoughtful and we have had such a lot of support from parents and teachers as well.''