PUPILS from a Wistaston school this week lent a helping hand to some children less fortunate than themselves.

The youngsters from Westfields County Infants School joined together to raise almost £200 for Hope House Hospice.

In return the hospice, which cares for terminally ill children from South Cheshire, paid a thank-you visit to the school.

Also visiting was hospice patient Ben Collins, from Nantwich, who met with the school children.

The pupils took the Hope House Challenge, which requires the children to complete a series of 50 small tasks, to raise the funds.

Diana Caudwell, from Hope House, said: "The tasks range from finding things, like leaves and feathers, to answering general knowledge questions and drawing and colouring.

"The idea is that the children can complete the tasks on their own all the while learning and having fun," she added.

Diana is hoping other schools in the borough will take up the challenge and any school wishing to do so can contact her on 01829 261313.

She added: "We are really grateful to the Wistaston schoolchildren for raising this wonderful sum, they all enjoyed completing the tasks and meeting Ben."