PUPILS in a cake-baking marathon have raised money for the Disasters Emergency Committee Niger Appeal.

The youngsters, from Yarm Preparatory School, near Stockton, baked hundreds of cakes at the weekend for the biggest cake sale the school ever had.

At 50p each, the cakes flew from the stalls, with all of the proceeds being sent to help the national appeal.

The whole school was involved in a street party, using long trestle tables and colourful bunting.

The pupils went head-to-head in the baking extravaganza in an attempt to boost their sales.

Headteacher Gillian Taylor said: "We all love cakes and the pupils are keen to raise money to support such a worthwhile appeal, to help the starving children in Niger.

"I am extremely proud of their efforts - and certainly enjoyed a few samples with my morning coffee.

"The whole school is proud of the event, showing how very young children are responding to this crisis."