A PYJAMAS appeal for poorly young hospital patients has already been a monster success - thanks to kind-hearted youngsters.

And as a reward for their generosity, pupils at Simonstone St Peter’s CE Primary were paid a visit by Oscar, the giant purple mascot for the Maddi’s Butterflies charity.

Four-year-old Oliver Gregory, from the reception class, had chosen the cause for the school’s termly charity drive.

His mum, dance teacher Lucy, has Scarlett Allan ­— sister of Madison in whose memory the charity was set up ­— as one of her pupils.

Dozens of pairs of pyjamas have already been donated by the village school, which will be wrapped and handed out to new arrivals at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.

For a special assembly, to mark their contribution, pupils even came along in their own pyjamas.

Acting headteacher Gill Cockings said: “It’s nice that one of our younger pupils, Oliver, was able to choose our charity. The pupils have loved getting involved with the appeal.

“It just goes to show that our little children can make a big difference in this world.”

Oliver’s mum Lucy, who lives in nearby Read with construction worker husband Chris, added: “I’m a teacher at Sanderson’s, in Blackburn, so we know Scarlett through dancing.

“So when the school ran this competition we talked with Oliver and thought it would be a nice thing to nominate Maddi’s Butterflies. We were really surprised, with him being in reception, when they picked his idea.”

The school has also donated funds raised following the funeral of one of their longstanding teachers.

Clare Rossi, who died recently at the age of 55, had been with the school for 27 years.

Charity founder Samantha Allan said: “The school has really taken the appeal to their hearts and we can’t thank them enough for what they’ve done.”

Donations are still being accepted, until December 2. Drop-off points have been arranged at several locations, including branches of Lloyd's Bank in Blackburn, Darwen, Accrington, Clitheroe and Burnley.