A PRIMARY school pupil with a heart of gold has taken it upon herself to raise money for a little girl battling cancer.

Jessica Zayne, aged 10, has organised a non-uniform day at her school after hearing about the story of two-year-old Ruby Young. Ruby, from Kent, has a 45 per cent chance of survival after being diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare form of stomach and bone cancer.

Jessica, who attends Cherry Tree Primary School in Farnworth, is looking to raise £500 from the non-uniform day, to help Ruby and other children fight cancer.

If her chemotherapy in the UK is unsuccessful, Ruby needs £500,000 of treatment in the USA to cure her.

Jessica, of Crescent Avenue, Farnworth, said: "I have a sister who is the same age as Ruby Young so I wanted to help her.

"I have made a poster and badges for the non-uniform day and I have donated £50 towards a raffle out of my savings account.

"I'm pleased with the support I've had so far. I'm really excited for this event and I hope I can raise enough money to help Ruby survive."

Jessica's mother, Zoe Southern, says she hopes her daughter's endeavour will set an example to other young children.

Mrs Southern, aged 31, said: "I'm very proud of Jessica. I'm amazed at how touched she was by Ruby's story.

"She has worked really hard to put together this event and I hope it will be a success."

Andrew Feeley, headteacher at Cherry Tree Primary School, says the school is looking to hold the non-uniform fundraiser on Red Nose Day on March 13.

Mr Feeley said: "It's brilliant that Jessica has done this on her own accord.

"We are only too happy to get involved — it's going to be a fantastic day for Jessica and a fantastic day for the school."