PUPILS at St Andrews in Over Hulton were given permission to skip school — in aid of two worthwhile causes.

Youngsters from reception class to year six took part in a skipping day on Monday to learn new skills while collecting for their annual Lenten Appeal by doing a sponsored skip.

This year the school's charities were Comic Relief and Cancer Research UK. The total amount raised is currently being calculated.

Children who displayed impressive jumping prowess were invited to demonstrate their new ability at an end of day school assembly.

Headteacher Simon Charnock said: "The day was an extra-curricular experience for the children and a chance to raise money for our Lenten Appeal. Each year at Lent we usually have a focus for our fundraiser and this year we were collecting for two very worthwhile causes.

"It was a real learning experience which we hope will have an impact in the playground, which has already been seen since. It's great to see them being active and teaching each other what they have learnt. It was a fabulous day."