YOUNGSTERS touched by the tragedy caused by the devastating Nepalese earthquake "coppered up" to help the survivors.

St Peter's CE Primary School in Farnworth are creating a copper mountain — as Mount Everest is in Nepal.

The earthquake is estimated to have killed more than 5,000 people and survivors are still being pulled from the rubble with a teenage boy being rescued after surviving for five days.

Youngsters came up with different ideas on how to support the people of Nepal and decided to collect a copper mountain of mountain, to reflect Mount Everest.

The original target was to raise a 29cm high tower, with 1cm representing 1,000ft of Mount Everest.

Headteacher Lynn Williams said: “By Tuesday evening the tower had already reached the top of our 50cm high jar and we had to over flow in to a bucket.

“The money has not yet been counted, and we are hoping to borrow a money counting machine to help us determine the amount raised as quickly as possible, so we can donate it to the Nepal charity fund. We are also hoping for the co-operation of the bank in taking all this copper off us in one go.”

Rachel Bob Manuel, aged 10, said: "It is important to help and support the people of Nepal after the catastrophic earthquake and after shocks, because many people have died and many are now homeless."

Year six pupil, Marcus Waite, added: " I’m proud that our school is able to do something unique to make a difference to the people of Nepal."

Mrs Cox said: "The school and community has worked together to raise money and we hope that others will join in to support the relief effort.

“The Mount Everest theme has really caught the children's attention and I am so proud of the way the children have handed in their loose change.

“Many children have been arriving with bags full of coins and tipping them in to the jar with delight, seeing the amount rise, above and well beyond our original goal.”