INFANTS from a nursery have paid tribute to a classmate with a rare brain condition who died last month.

The youngsters at House of Eden nursery in Rushyford, near Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, took part in a nativity play and concert to raise money for a fund set up in memory of Sophie Louise Darby.

The 19-month old girl, of Trimdon Village, suffered from holoprosencephaly, which meant that her brain was not formed properly.

Most children with the condition die in the womb before they are born.

Earlier this year, nursery staff and children started an appeal to raise money for a chair Sophie needed to help her in the classroom.

But she died before the total of £1,000 was raised.

Staff decided to keep the fund going to donate to a charity chosen by Sophie's parents.

More than £1,600 has now been raised.

About 70 children, aged up to five, took part in the concert at the Eden Arms Hotel in Rushyford, watched by hundreds of parents and grandparents.