PUPILS have broken a school’s fundraising record as they collected £600 to help a critically-ill toddler go on a dream holiday to Disneyland.

Youngsters at the Timothy Hackworth Primary School, in Shildon, sent the money to help three-year-old Mason Campion.

Mason, of Hunwick, near Bishop Auckland, suffers from an aggressive form of cancer which was found in his brain and which has spread to his spine.

The school decided to help Campion and his family after burglars stole a charity box holding about £200 which had been collected to help send the toddler to Disneyland.

The burglars broke in to Crumbs Snack Bar, in Evenwood, near to Bishop Auckland, last month. They also stole a tips jar holding about £60.

Teaching assistant Ami Douthwaite, 20, said: “The children raised £100 just before Christmas by selling handmade cards to family and friends.

“The youngsters also raised £500 with a non-uniform day. When I explained what had happened with the charity box they decided to give the money to Mason.

“We are very proud of the children as they raised £600 which is the most the school has ever collected for charity.”

A series of fundraising events have been held for the youngster and they have collected enough to send the Campion family to Disneyland.