CHILDREN decided to put their lessons on China to good use after going to visit a special support centre in Bedale.

The pupils from Early Years at Bedale Church of England Primary School had such a warm welcome when they visited the Dales Centre that they deciced they wanted to raise money to support their work for the community.

Having spent this term learning about the people and culture of China they decided to hold an event to showcase their new found knowledge. The children learned a traditional ribbon dance and poem linked to Chinese New Year as well as producing Chinese hats, drums, lanterns and fire cracker art.

Parents and helper Daphne from the Dales Centre attended, and the children held a raffle of prizes raising £79 to support the work at the Centre.

A spokesman for Dales Centre thanked the children and the school for their donation and support. They also invited people to go along to see them. The centre aims to be a warm and welcoming place to meet old friends and new, offering people the chance to relax and helping to alleviate isolation and loneliness for anyone in the community young and old.

The centre, in Wycar, is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 2pm offering hot lunches, tea and coffee, but they say anyone who would like to pop in for a coffee and a cake are welcome to go along. For information www.dalescentre.co.uk