PUPILS at Pleckgate High School are challenging the people of Blackburn to beat their record donation to the Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Macmillan Nurse Appeal.

In the last three months nearly £33,000 has been raised for the appeal but a cheque for £2,575 from Years 8, 9 and 10 at Pleckgate is the largest donation so far.

Pupils kept silent for 10 minutes as part of Macmillan Cancer Relief's "Hold Your Tongue Challenge" and then took in the challenge of collecting money promised in sponsorship for the nationwide event.

The appeal, for £220,000, will pay for two extra Macmillan Nurses at the East Lancashire Hospice at Park Lee Hospital.

Jackie Roberts, appeals manager, said: "The pupils of Pleckgate have set a wonderful example to everyone by their dedication and concern for others. We cannot thank them enough for the time and effort they put into the Hold Your Tongue Challenge.

"And our thanks must also go to all the teachers who encouraged them and organised them and organised the event, and to the parents and friends who rewarded their efforts by contributing to the impressive total of £2,575. Well done Pleckgate, you certainly rose to this particular challenge in a truly magnificent way."

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