Pupils from Park Lane Primary and Nursery School in Whittlesey have rallied together to raise almost £400 for a charity set up to support bereaved families.

My Blue Heart was brought to the school’s attention by teenager Shannon Isabela Corr while she worked as a volunteer helper there last year.

The children set up games, raffles and stalls to raise funds for the charity.

They also sold My Blue Heart pin badges, which carry the message ‘I carry your heart in mine’ and act a symbol that the wearer is missing a loved one or someone close to them.

Sarah Gregory, Year 5 teacher said: “The children very quickly identified with the strong message that the badge symbolises.

“It has helped us talk about Miss Corr and start to tackle the difficult concept that sadly not everyone will live to a ripe old age”.

Some of the money has been used to set up an annual poetry award in Shannon Corr’s name, with the rest donated to the My Blue Heart charity.

All profits from the sale of blue hearts are donated to other established charities, including CLIC Sargent, East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices and the Nicky’s Way programme at St Nicholas Hospice, to support their work with bereaved children.

Shirley Gower, My Blue Heart founder, said: “I’m amazed by the positive response of all the children and moved by the children’s understanding of the work we are trying to do.”

To find out more about My Blue heart, go to http://myblueheart.org.uk/