One thoughtful pupil has raised hundreds for her primary school to support them during the coronavirus pandemic.

Freya O'Neill from St Mary's C of E Primary School in Burnham-on-Crouch has raised over £850 for the school.

The year four pupil was worried after hearing that the school parents, teachers and friends association (PFTA) 'The Paddlers' was struggling to raise money during lockdown.

Usually The Paddlers would host fundraising events like bake sales, fetes and school discos for the children, but weren't able to during the pandemic.

Freya decided that she wasn't going to let the virus win and took things into her own hands.

Together with her mum, Victoria, they decided to take on a ten-mile sponsored walk.

The pair have smashed their original target of £200.

Headteacher Geraldine Denham-Hale said, "I had no idea that Freya was planning to complete this amazing task in the half term holiday.

"It is a real achievement for her and will make a big difference to the lives of the children of St Mary’s.

"We are all very grateful to her."

Freya walked in different areas across the Dengie to raise over £850 for the school.

When she returned to school Freya was given the Headteacher's Award and a special certificate from The Paddlers for all her hard work.

Freya said, “I am very happy that I could help the school. I enjoyed doing the sponsored walk with my mum and I couldn’t believe how many people sponsored me.

"I think we will be able to buy some very nice things for St Mary’s with the money that we have raised."