TWO Rossendale primary schools took part in a charity event launched by England footballer Phil Neville.

Crawshawbooth Primary School and Stubbins Primary School were among the 50 schools who took part in Not Bothered Day, where pupils paid £1 in return for ditching their uniforms.

The Everton captain, from Crawshawbooth, also visited five schools who entered a draw to meet him and his wife Julie, who are both patrons of the appeal.

Julie said: "We got a fantastic reception at each of the schools we visited and we are delighted that they have registered to take part in Not Bothered Day. I think it was important for us to be able to explain to pupils why we have asked them to take part and also to be able to give them something back."

Phil added: "Every pupil who has taken part and donated £1 will have made a difference to the thousands of children from across the North West who will use the new children's hospital."

The New Children's Hospital Appeal aims to raise £20 million to provide new equipment to help doctors provide patients with the best in diagnosis and care.

Phil and Julie became patrons after doctors at St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, saved the life of their baby daughter Isabella when she was born 10 weeks premature.