WHILE many children spend their school holidays playing games, two caring schoolgirls decided to raise money for charity.

Eleven-year-olds Marianna Kambalis and Abbie Ward started to organise a cake sale in aid of Bury Hospice.

Their idea grew and grew to such an extent that, on Sunday, 100 people enjoyed afternoon tea at Woodbank Cricket Club in Bury.

Visitors tucked into sandwiches, cakes and drinks, browsed stalls, enjoyed music by swing duo Out Of The Blue, and tried their luck in a raffle and tombola.

Marianna’s mum, Caren Kambalis, said: “It went very well. It was a lovely day and brought the whole community together.

“I’m incredibly proud of Marianna and Abbie. It’s something they will never forget. The fact that it started so small and became something big is fantastic.”

With support from their family, the St Gabriel’s RC High School pupils booked the venue, promoted the event and sold tickets.

They contacted local businesses seeking prizes for the raffle and received many donations.

Marianna, of Gosforth Close, Brandlesholme, and Abbie, of Grantham Drive, Brandlesholme, acted as hostesses at the afternoon tea.

They served the many guests, with help from their school friends, who volunteered as waiters and waitresses.

Money is still being counted, but the event is believed to have raised more than £700 for the hospice.

Mrs Kambalis said: “The girls were very excited. They came home buzzing and felt they had really achieved something. They were really satisfied that from one small idea, they could so much money.”