SCHOOL children have helped to buy lifesaving equipment for North-East hospitals.

The Federation of Mowden Schools has raised £1,085 in a bid to fund the purchase of MRI scanners for Darlington Memorial and Bishop Auckland hospitals.

Darlington pupils have taken part in a host of fundraising activities in recent months, including sports days, non-uniform events and family fun days.

Head teacher Peter King adopted the appeal as his charity when taking part in last month’s Great North Run.

Class ambassadors recently presented a cheque to Pat Chambers, charity development manager at the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust.

Mr King said: “We all deserve to benefit from the very best in health technology. “When Pat came to talk to our students about the Appeal and the difference the new MRI scanner makes by helping consultants with earlier diagnosis of many life threatening and life limiting conditions, I knew we had to help. I am delighted with the enthusiasm the students, their families, friend and our staff have shown in raising this money.”

To support the appeal call 01325-743781.