THERE was an eerie silence at two schools, as pupils kept it zipped to raise money for Macmillan cancer support. As part of the charity s national campaign, The Big Hush, students from Barkway School and Roysia Middle School, took part in a sponsored sile

THERE was an eerie silence at two schools, as pupils kept it zipped to raise money for Macmillan cancer support.

As part of the charity's national campaign, The Big Hush, students from Barkway School and Roysia Middle School, took part in a sponsored silence.

Rosyton Mayor, Councillor Peter Lill, joined the pupils at both schools.

He said: "The silences went very well. The children completed them and someone from Macmillan spoke to them about the work the charity does."

The pupils at Barkway School split the 10- minute silence into two halves.

The younger children did some colouring during the quiet time, while the older pupils designed posters to coincide with their healthy living topic.

The children have raised about £200.

At Roysia School the Royston town crier, Mr Graham Pfaff signalled the start of the silence with his not so quiet bell.

Pupils raised £165 on the day.

For the school Elaine Stamford said: "It was a very successful day.

"Everyone joined in the silence, even the teachers, the mayor, and the town crier."

The Big Hush marks the end of Cancertalk Week, which aims to get young people from seven-16 talking and learning more about cancer.

The money raised for Macmillan will help to improve the lives of ­people living with ­cancer.