PUPILS at a fire-ravaged junior school have been playing their part in helping to rebuild the school by organising sponsored fund raising events.

The 200-plus children from St John's CE, Hindley Green, have been split up between three nearby schools since the £200,000 arson attack which destroyed their classrooms in February.

And a delighted head teacher Bev Taylor is looking forward to a re-union after Easter holidays despite being housed in temporary classrooms on site.

She said: "It will be good being back together. We've survived and that's great."

In the meantime the children have been raising funds.

Nine-years-old David Holmes and sister Nicola, seven, swam 60 lengths of Hindley baths and raised £372.

Then Leah Webster, nine, took her pony on a five mile trek from her Westhoughton stables to the St John's site to boost the total.

Other pupils were planning to raise cash by packing shoppers' bags at a local supermarket.

Since the destruction the pupils have joined classes at Hollins Community, St Benedict's and Hindley Green Primary Schools.

Bev said: "The first couple of weeks after the fire were very difficult but we'd like to thank the schools who have looked after us and made us welcome."

Two 11-years-old boys accused of starting the blaze have denied the offence and are expected to appear before Wigan magistrates again on April 20. A third 11-years-old accused did not enter a plea when he appeared before the court last month.