A TALKATIVE eight-year-old has taken on a tough personal challenge for charity - a six-hour sponsored silence.

Sam Hamilton, from Huntington, decided he wanted to raise money for charity after his grandad David Gillon was diagnosed with cancer.

His efforts saw him raise £200 most of which is going to the Magnolia Centre at York Hospital which is caring for his grandad as he undergoes chemotherapy.

The year four pupil remained silent for an entire day at Huntington Primary School.

Sam said: “It was really hard to keep silent, especially at break and lunch time when my friends were talking to me but I got lots of work done that day.

"My friend Charlie said he didn't think I would make 20 minutes but I managed.

"When I realised how much I had raised I was shocked."

David, who said he was touched to hear about Sam's efforts, found out he had bowel cancer last year after completing the screening test he received in the post.

He said: “I had no symptoms, which is why it’s so important for people to take this test when they receive it. I know a lot of people that don’t, and my experience shows just how vital it is.”

Sam's sponsorship for the silence came from family, friends and colleagues at his dad Ian’s place of work, Peter Thompson of York.

The remainder of the money is going to Comic Relief.

His mum Louise said the idea of a sponsored silence had come up in a family discussion.

She said: "He spoke to the head teacher and asked to do a sponsored silence.

"His grandfather was very touched and emotional."

Louise said she and her husband are very proud of Sam's efforts.