CHILDREN who are grateful their school escaped being flooded in the Boxing Day downpour have rallied round to help those who were less fortunate.

St Saviour CE Primary School in Ringley narrowly escaped the flood waters, which poured into neighbouring houses and properties.

During their first week back at school, children and staff at the school were determined to do something to help those who had their belongings washed away and destroyed in floods.

On Friday the school organised a non-uniform day and cake sale and raised hundreds of pounds for those affected.

Headteacher Ian Southern said: "We know people who have been affected, we have a dinner lady who will not be able to move back into her house for possibly three months.

"Families of children here have been affected.

"We wanted to do something to help, it was just luck this school was not flooded.

"Out heart goes out to those who have been affected."

He added: "We wanted to do something in the first week back so it had to be quite a quick turnaround and the children suggested a non-uniform day and cake sale.

"We had families making cakes, some were bought and we had donations.

"The money is still be counted but we think it will be around £500, which is a fantastic amount."

Ainsley Paige-Hepburn, aged 11, said: "I wanted to help because it is like your heart and your home is being destroyed right in front of you and we know people that have been affected, so we had to do something."

Sam Morris, aged 10, added: "Our school wanted to raise money for the houses that got flooded at Christmas.

"A dinner lady from our school got flooded and her Christmas tree got swept away and I felt really sorry for her. We have raised money to help all the cleaning up operations."