30057TSUNAMI AID: A BOAT load of cash has been donated by children at Staverton Primary School who raided their piggy banks to help the tsunami victims.

One little boy, Sammi Zekkari, donated the £50 his parents had put aside for his eighth birthday party.

Sammi's mum Sabah Zekkari said: "He asked me about what was happening so we sat down and watched the news together and when I looked at him he was in floods of tears.

"He woke up a couple of nights ago and said he didn't want a birthday party or anything and he wanted the money to go to the disaster."

Headteacher Phil Allan said: "It was a fantastic and very generous gesture from Sammi. All the children responded very well, it was great."

The youngsters brought in notes and coins and laid them out on an image of a boat taped to the floor of the school hall, forming a boat made out of money.

Year 6 pupil Tom said: "I wanted to help the poor people and at least get some money for them."

All the 224 children at the school were involved in fundraising and the school then held a special assembly once the boat was completed.

Staff and children are still counting the cash raised, but it is thought to be £250.