KINDHEARTED youngsters helped a good cause — by turning their school purple.

During May, The Stroke Association encouraged supporters to sign up to their Make May Purple campaign, using the colour as a symbol to promote the charity's work and raise funds for it.

The message was embraced by sisters Olivia and Zara Kipping, who held a purple-themed day at their school, Bury Grammar, on May 27.

Olivia, aged ten, and Zara, aged nine, were inspired by their mother Rebecca, who is a speech and language therapist working for Pennine Acute Hospitals Trust, which works with the Stroke Association to support people affected by stroke.

Throughout the themed day, pupils wore purple clothing, hosted a purple cake sale and took part in purple-themed games.

Olivia said: "We had a lot of fun throughout the day and it was all for a good cause," and Zara added: "It was a really good day."

The day before, pupils were visited by Chris Bainbridge, who is the charity's life after stroke coordinator.

He taught the children how stroke can affect a person's brain, as well as how to spot the symptoms of stroke.

The charity's regional director Chris Larkin said: "It was fantastic to see Bury Grammar School turn purple to raise awareness of Make May Purple.

"This year we've been calling on the local community to get involved with our annual awareness-raising event.

"It's all about having fun, getting people talking about Make May Purple, and raising vital funds so that we can be there for more people affected by stroke."

Visit stroke.org.uk/makemaypurple for more information