Schoolchildren have raised hundreds of pounds for charity by planting daffodil bulbs.

Pupils at Reid Street Primary School, in Darlington, joined more than 200,000 youngsters from across the country to take part in Marie Curie Cancer Care's Mini Pots of Care scheme.

They planted bulbs last autumn, collecting sponsorship money from parents and relatives.

Yesterday, they took part in the charity's Paint Your Mini Pot day to create colourful designs for the pots.

Designs were based on spring themes such as butterflies, bees and flowers.

The youngsters have taken the pots home and will care for their flowers.

The pupils raised £621 for the charity.

Leanne Holliday, from the school, said: "We had an astonishing response from the parents."

B&Q also helped with the project by providing equipment.