CHILDREN from Winsford have shown their caring side by helping to raise funds for St Luke's Hospice.

Pupils from Wharton Junior School, on Greville Road, took part in a sponsored obstacle race and raised £2,100 for the town palliative care centre.

But four of the youngsters involved, who were inspired by a presentation by hospice community fundraiser Karen Keeney, were determined their donations would not end there. Karen said: "The children - Michael, Emma Leigh and Hannah Wiles and Bronte Drummond - independently came into the hospice during the school holidays and asked if they could help by holding a stall at a car boot sale.

"It was June 1 when I saw them and I was so moved by their desire to help. They left the hospice with T-shirts to wear and some sunflower badges, ducks and football bands, and that same evening they called to say they had already raised £60 from the items."

But this was not the only money-making idea the brainy bunch had in mind.

Karen said: "They raised £100 by doing car washing and also selling items at their auntie's birthday party.

"The car boot sale, which was held on June 3, raised £150."

Karen believes other youngsters should follow the foursome's fundraising example.

She added: "It shows how children take the message of the hospice to their hearts and just how much they want to be involved with caring for their community."