Kind-hearted school pupils have raised £450 for our Finley's Friends Appeal.

Pupils at Accrington Academy raised the funds by buying from a special tuck shop set up by Mackenzie Rosbotham, brother of three-year-old Finley who is the face of our campaign.

Mackenzie, 12, gave an assembly in front of the whole school earlier this year to raise awareness of our appeal.

Mum Kelly paid tribute to his hard work.

She said: “It's an amazing amount to bring in, especially considering they're only children, I am really really proud of him and Paige. They've worked so hard for the appeal and never complained once.”

Finley's older sister Paige and her friends have also helped out with the campaign.

And Kelly organised a Christmas Market at Accrington Town Hall over the weekend.

There were 22 stall holders, face painting, a visit from Santa and a raffle and Kelly ran a Christmas cafe with food and refreshments.

The stalls included everything from crafty Christmas gifts to festive photos and there was Christmas music to get people in the festive spirit.

Accrington Stanley players paid a visit and there was a raffle with prizes including a free MOT and a four by four experience.

Kelly said they were disappointed with the turnout for the event but thanked all the stall-holders and everyone who had helped out on the day.

*How you can help the appeal

The Accrington Observer is trying to raise £20,000 for Holly House in Accrington.

It's been a fantastic few months in our appeal and as the year draws to a close we're delighted to be approaching the £8,000 mark.

But we need your help to reach our fundraising target and support Holly House in their amazing work with youngsters who have a range of disabilities.

Your donations can help provide specialist IT equipment to help the youngsters learn and develop at the Blackburn Road centre.

We're asking you to organise your own events for our appeal or to donate cash from events already organised.

The centre helped three-year-old Finley Rosbotham learn to walk and talk after he was born with part of his brain missing and has supported hundreds of youngsters through their difficulties and into mainstream schooling.

If you can help us to reach our goal of you have an event you want to tell us about call the news desk on 0161 211 2977, email
accringtonobserver@menmedia.co.uk or contact us by post at Accrington Observer, MEN Media, Mitchell Henry House, Chadderton, Oldham, OL9 8EF. You can also pop into our office at Unit 3 of Accrington Market Hall.

Cheques should be made payable to 'ELHT Charitable Funds Account' with the Finley's Friends Appeal written on the back. Finley’s family have started a Facebook group entitled Finley’s Friends at Holly House Fundraising page and a Twitter feed @finrosbotham so you can follow the progress of the fundraising.

You can also donate online at http://charitygiving.co.uk/finleyrosbotham .