CHILDREN from a Latchingdon school have raised £750 for Cancer Research UK.

The pupils at Latchingdon Church of England Primary School took part in an hour long sponsored silence.

Twenty-nine children aged between four and eleven took part in the silence which raised funds for Cancer Research UK.

The idea was suggested by the pupils themselves as part of a Lent challenge ran by the school.

Deputy Head Teacher at Latchingdon Church of England Primary School, Jenny Kemp, said: “We have what is called a worship group because we are a church school, and as part of the worship group we run a lent challenge.

“We said we would do it for charity and in discussion with the children we decided to do it for Cancer Research UK, as a lot of the children knew people affected by cancer.

“Then we talked about what they could give up and they decided that the thing they do the most is talk, so giving that up would be a good sign of how committed they were.”

The money was collected by Margaret Mitchell of the Maldon branch of Cancer Research UK who went on to give a talk in assembly thanking the children for their donation.

“It was a thank you for donating the money,” said Jenny.

“Then Margaret talked a little bit about what Cancer Research UK do with the money and how they can help people.”