YOUNGSTERS at a Newton Aycliffe primary school have been raising money for the homeless at Christmas.

More than 100 parents joined pupils at Woodham Burn Infants School for its Christingle family service yesterday.

They were joined by Duncan Robertson from the Children's Society, who attends every year.

Before the service, each child took home a cardboard candle which they filled with coins for the charity. This year, the money will be used to buy emergency packs for young people who live on the streets.

Mr Robertson brought along a sample pack, which includes items such as tissues, socks, underclothes, toiletries, plasters, chocolate and, most importantly, a coin for the telephone and the Children's Society number.

Headteacher Pat Henderson said: "The response from the children was phenomenal.

"The good thing the Children's Society do is they don't force anything on anybody, they just go out on the streets and often they do get a call."

The children also made their own Christingles for the service. They consist of an orange to represent the word, a red ribbon representing the blood of Jesus, a candle for light, cocktail sticks for the four seasons and fruit and sweets to represent food.

Mrs Henderson said: "It was a lovely occasion and the important thing was being able to help the work of the Children's Society."