SPEECHLESS New Forest schoolchildren raised more than £1,000 to help local cancer sufferers.

Pupils and teachers at Calmore Junior School, Totton raised the money in the Macmillan Cancer Relief Big Hush event.

The school presented representative of the charity, Heather May, with a cheque for £1,120.

All proceeds will help fund a cancer information and support centre at Southampton General Hospital.

The Macmillan Cancer Relief Appeal for South Hampshire aims to raise £1m to build and equip the centre.

Designed to be homely and non-clinical, the facility will be open to friends and family members as well as cancer patients themselves.

Anyone affected by cancer will be able to drop in without making an appointment.

Facilities at the state-of-the-art centre will include complementary therapies such as aromatherapy, massage and acupuncture, Internet access, information leaflets, support groups, counselling and stylish wigs and headgear.

Staff will also be on hand to offer advice about patient grants and state benefits.

There will also be a garden area where people can sit quietly and read a leaflet or have a cup of tea or coffee.

The centre should benefit not only those living in south Hampshire but further afield on the Isle of Wight, parts of Dorset, Wiltshire and the Channel Islands.

Backed by the Daily Echo, the fundraising campaign is expected to run for two years.

For more information about the South Hampshire Appeal call 023 8023 6367.