Last updated 19:28, Thursday, 27 November 2008

AROUND 100 children and teenagers have helped Maryport mayor Mary-Claire Telford to raise £586 for her chosen charity.

Pupils from Maryport Infant, Ellenborough and Ewanrigg Infant, Grasslot Infant, Ewanrigg Junior, Netherhall School and St Benedict’s School in Whitehaven took part in an evening of singing and dance at The Wave, in Maryport.

They were raising money for the Marie Messenger Memorial Fund for palliative care at the West Cumberland Hospital.

The late Marie Messenger was a friend and colleague of Coun Telford who wanted to support the fund set up in her name.

Coun Telford said she was overwhelmed at the strength of support.

She said: “The staff and children from the schools put a huge amount of time and effort into the preparation of the event.

“Everyone rallied around and it was a real community event.

“It was an emotional evening as Marie meant a lot to me.”