PUPILS have risen to the occasion by showing off their baking skills in aid of a cancer charity.

Year 7 & Year 9 pupils at Longfield Academy, in Darlington, supported the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support for the second year running.

Parents and carers of Year 7 pupils were invited to the event and could purchase from a delicious array of treats. A selection of three beautiful cakes were also raffled with two lucky families and a teacher winning the tasty prizes. The school hopes to top the £525 it raised last year.

Academy Administration Manager Mrs Rutter, who organised the event with Assistant Headteacher Mrs Hickerson, said: “We focused on Year 7 pupils who started in September as it’s a great opportunity for parents and carers to come in and get a feel of the school and talk to some key members of staff – all the while raising money for a great cause.

“The pupils have really embraced it and loved getting involved because they know how important the charity is. We’d like to thank everyone that baked or donated cakes and biscuits.

“Without their generosity the event wouldn’t be such as success. A special mention must go to the Yorkshire Bank who contributed £100, as well as donating a magnificent mint chocolate cake which will be one of the raffle prizes.”

The Year 7 pupils were supported for the second year by two older pupils, Haydn Gunton and Harry Bramley, who have both been touched by cancer.

Haydn, 13, whose grandad died of the disease, said: “It’s such a good cause and we wanted to play our part in helping to beat cancer.”

Harry, also 13, added: “I lost my Nanna to cancer and it really brings it home, so we wanted to help beat cancer faster.”

Head of School Nick Lindsay said: “Longfield Academy prides itself on being the beating heart of the North of Darlington and this type of event accentuates in pupils’ minds the importance of looking after the most vulnerable members of society.

“It also helps to engage the local community to be proud of where they live, and shows them that Longfield Academy is a caring school to be proud of.”