CHILDREN at a York primary school are aiming to turn pennies into something much more valuable to help a local hospice.

Clifton Green School has launched a Copper Challenge today, where pupils are being asked to spend the next few months collecting one and two pence pieces.

The money will then be donated to St Leonard’s Hospice, who are celebrating 30 years of caring for local people.

The school is encouraging local businesses and families to join them in collecting copper and helping raise as much money as possible.

John Hattam, community outreach worker at the school, said: “We want loads of people in York to get involved because we believe that by working together we can really make a difference to people in York through St Leonards.”

The challenge will run until December when all of the copper will be collected and turned into a mural.

John said: “That will be symbolic of what we have achieved; turning one and two pence pieces, something so insignificant, into something magnificent and spectacular.”

If you would like to get involved in the copper challenge, you can contact the school on 01904 555105.