SCHOOL CHILDREN have shown support for a hospice by raising £600.

The 117 pupils of Portland Special School, Sunderland, raised the sum for the St Oswald's Hospice appeal through a week of fundraising activities.

Yesterday, they rounded the week off by presenting a cheque to Gary Wilkinson from the appeal.

PE co-ordinator at the school, which caters for youngsters with physical and learning difficulties, Shirley Gilfellon, said: "The kids have been brilliant.

"There was everything from a sponsored beat-the-goalie to parents' cake stalls - anything we could think of to raise some cash.

"In Friday's assembly, we held a Flamenco aerobics session where everyone could come along and have a good time after all their hard work."

The school recently moved from its former site in Plains Farm to one in Doxford Park.

Headteacher Jennifer Chart said: "Raising so much money for a cause which helps so many families in this area is a credit to our youngsters, and shows the determination of this school to do all it can for the community."