CHILDREN are using flower power to raise money for the Marie Curie Nurses Appeal.

Youngsters from primary schools across Bolton will contribute to the campaign, which has a target of £200,000, by nurturing daffodils into bloom.

The charity, which is being supported by The Bolton News, will use the money to provide more free nursing care for terminally-ill people in their own homes.

Children at St Thomas CE School in Esrick Street, Halliwell, are among those getting involved.

Headteacher Sue Pilling said: “It’s a very good cause because of the wonderful care the nurses provide when people are at their lowest point.

“Our children and all our staff will be involved, we want to raise as much as we can and the money will help local people.”

Marie Curie Cancer Care’s Mini Pots of Care scheme sees schoolchildren given a daffodil bulb — the flower is the charity’s symbol — to plant in a pot.

They care for them until the flowers bloom in spring, then decorate their pots on Mini Pots of Care Day, a date for which is still to be announced.

The youngsters then give the daffodil to someone — a relative or friend — in return for a donation.

Eight schools in Bolton have signed up to the scheme so far and Marie Curie organisers hope more schools will join in.

Hannah Taylor, community fundraiser for Marie Curie, said: “If every child at St Thomas’ raised just £1, the school could donate £300 to help our appeal.

“We’re very grateful for St Thomas’ support and every single pound counts, but we hope every primary school in Bolton will sign up and help us to raise around £20,000 from Mini Pots of Care in Bolton.”

Primary schools and nurseries can register for the Mini Pots of Care scheme by contacting 08700 340 040 or visiting mariecurie.org.uk/minipotsofcare The deadline for signing up is Friday, October 2.

To find out more about the Marie Curie appeal visit theboltonnews.co.uk/mariecurie If you are organising a fundraising event, call us on 01204 537203.