A CHARITY is calling for school pupils and adults a like to break out their headwear next week in a bid to help children suffering from cancer.

Every year the Thomas Ball Children's Cancer Charity holds the 'Caps 4 Kids' campaign - encouraging people to wear a hat and make a donation towards the fund.

The event, which will take place on Friday, will mark International Childhood Cancer Day the following Saturday, February 15.

Elaine Ball, chairman of the charity, said: "All money we raise from the "Caps 4 Kids" event will be used solely for childhood cancer research and at the same time, raise awareness that it's not only adults who get cancer, hundreds of children are diagnosed with the disease in the UK each year and research relies on donations."

The charity was founded by Thomas Ball, Elaine's son, in 1999, when he was nine years old, who suffered from a rare form of cancer called neuroblastoma. Thomas passed away in 2003, aged 14.

So far Prestwood Junior School and Curzon C of E School in Penn Street are taking part on Friday, February 14, as well as Haddenham Community Junior School and Bedgrove Junior School in Aylesbury.

Prestwood Infant School is planning to hold its 'cap day' on March 28 and Heritage House School in Chesham will hold its one in April.

More schools and organisations are being encouraged to come forward and get involved next Friday.

The charity is also being supported by Missenden Abbey, which is holding a coffee morning between 10am and midday on Friday, February 14, to raise awareness of the cause. All are welcome to attend.

Donations can be made by texting CAPS14 followed by one of these compatible amounts - £1, £2, £3, £4, £5, £10 - to 70070.

For more information go to www.thomasball.org.uk