Students have raised a total of £1,800 for sick children.

Pupils at Epping St John's School have collected the cash for The Dream Factory through fundraising events and non-uniform days.

The charity grants wishes to seriously ill children.

Yesterday the school in Bury Road, Epping, handed over the latest cheque for £700.

The Dream Factory founder, Avril Mills, and her son Josh, a former pupil at the school, attended an assembly to receive the donation from headteacher George Yerosimou.

Mrs Mills said: "All the money raised from the non-uniform day and bag packing will enable us to grant two more dreams."

With the support of the Marriott Waltham Abbey, the charity is holding an Easter Egg Party at the Old Shire Lane hotel on Thursday, April 17.

Anyone who would like to donate an Easter egg for the event can email Avril at avril.dreams@gmail.com.