SCHOOLCHILDREN organised their own charity Bake Off after their teacher was diagnosed with cancer.

In February Gwyneth Chesters, junior class teacher and deputy head at Leck St Peter’s Primary School, near Kirkby Lonsdale, was given the news that she had breast cancer

Head teacher Kerry Stafford-Roberts said children at the village school had been "very resilient” and emphasised that they had been eager to help and support their teacher.

“In many ways, it has raised their awareness of cancer," she said.

With the guidance of Carol Stalker, junior class teaching assistant, four children organised the Leck School Bake Off, which took place on Tuesday and raised more than £200 for Cancer Research UK.

Mr Stafford-Roberts told The Westmorland Gazette that Mrs Chesters was able to attend the Bake Off, and was “really pleased to see all the support for her”.

Mrs Chesters’ illness has “had a real impact” at the 37-pupil school and Mrs Stalker said: “We are doing all this for Cancer Research UK in the hope Mrs Chesters realises how much she is loved and missed.”

There were three categories at the Bake Off - iced fairy cakes, family bakes and showstopper cakes. Families paid £5 to participate, and money was also raised through donations and cake purchases.

Lady Shuttleworth and Mr Stafford-Roberts judged the confectionary.

The event involved the entire school, and almost all of the students got involved.

Mr Stafford-Roberts praised the children for their hard work and made specific mention of three year six pupils who helped lead an auction of the showstopper cakes.