YOUNGSTERS from two Darlington primary schools began fundraising efforts for a local hospice yesterday by singing carols in the town centre.

The children from Cockerton Primary School and St Augustine's RC Primary School spent an hour singing in Queen Street and collecting for St Teresa's Hospice.

They were the first in a line-up of pupils who will be performing for shoppers everyday this week.

Today, children from Polam Girls High School, Alderman Leach Junior School and Hummersknott School will be singing in the street.

Later in the week, children from six other Darlington schools will be raising shoppers' Christmas spirits with the sounds of popular festive tunes and carols.