Cedric the dragon - the mascot of children's charity, the National Children's Home – popped in to visit the young fundraisers after they took part in a sponsored walk.

Megan Bingham, 11, Chloe Dand, nine, and 11-year-old Emily Rewston, who are all students at Carr Hill Junior School, got in touch with the NCH to see if they could do something to help.

Marie Brown, senior fundraising executive for the charity, was overjoyed to receive a letter from the girls offering to raise money for less fortunate children.

"After permission and guidance from their parents, the three girls then set off on their walk and raised nearly £200," she said.

"It has been a joy to work with these girls as their enthusiasm and motivation is something that has rubbed off on everyone involved with the walk and I know that the families are rightly proud of their achievement."

"It's a marvellous example of how our children are caring and willing to make a difference to others through positive action."

"We were delighted to come along and present them with a few goodies and a certificate as a way of showing our appreciation for all their hard work over the last few weeks."

The NCH is one of the largest children's charities in the UK, supporting more than 178,000 vulnerable children, young people and their families.

The charity works locally with young carers, runaways, young care leavers and families with children under five to help them reach their full potential.

The charity is already recruiting 30 people to take part in their next Big Jump in September – a tandem skydive above Nottingham.

They also have over 100 events planned for this year.

For more details of how to get involved with fundraising for NCH, please contact Marie Brown on 01773 541525 or email marie.brown@nch.org.uk