A GROUP of youngsters raised more than £500 for orphans and other needy children yesterday, by walking around the grounds of their nursery.

The 37 youngsters, aged three and four, put on cardboard crowns and walked half a mile around the Green Lane nursery and childcare centre, in Barnard Castle.

They were sponsored by parents, grandparents and friends for the event, part of the Foresters Big Toddle to raise funds for Barnardo's.

Linda Poulter, manager of the centre, said: "The toddlers all loved taking part, especially as they knew they were helping children who don't have happy home lives like they do.

"We are grateful to all the people who donated towards this good cause. They have been very generous, and their money will do a lot of good for some unfortunate children."

Nursery nurses Melanie Mitchell, Jo Foster and Angela Bellwood helped the toddlers to fit their crowns, which were supplied by Barnardo's.