PUPILS were powerful in purple this week to raise awareness of epilepsy.

Cherry Tree School pupils raised more than £600 for charity Epilepsy in Action by dressing in purple, making purple cakes and even drinking purple drinks.

In aid of the cause neighbouring supermarkets donated fairy cakes for the children to decorate and Ribena cartons, while the younger pupils made faces from grapes and plums.

Year six pupils also took part in an epilepsy awareness session and watched a dvd from charity Epilepsy in Action to help understand the course of action if someone should have an epileptic fit.

Jeanette Horrocks, who works on the children and families team at Cherry Tree School said: "I have epilepsy myself so the day was very close to my heart.

"We do have a number of children across the school who suffer with epilepsy and we wanted to raise awareness of what having epilepsy means.

"The children dressed in purple for the day and were asked to donate 50p.

"It was good for the year six pupils especially to be made aware of epilepsy as they prepare for high school so they understand what to do if they do come across someone having an epileptic fit.

"It was good for them to see also that people with epilepsy can lead a normal life.

"I didn't expect it to be so successful and raise as much as we did so I'm very happy and everyone joined in an thoroughly enjoyed it."