PUPILS across the region gave their teachers a bit of peace and quiet on Friday to raise money for charity.

Macmillan Cancer Relief's Big Hush initiative saw hundreds of North-East schoolchildren taking part in a sponsored silence. Youngsters at Rise Carr Primary School, in Darlington, were among those keeping quiet for at least ten minutes. Last year's Big Hush, supported by Nationwide Building Society, raised £395,000 through 6,000 schools and community groups. The charity's community fundraiser, Stephanie Wood, said: "We are always looking for people to take part in our events, whether it be getting sponsored for the Great North Run or simply having coffee with a few friends."