TODDLERS put their best feet forward to raise money for a special appeal to help an 11-year-old girl with a rare and aggressive form of cancer.

Romanby Toddler Group held their sponsored toddle and teddy bears picnic at Romanby leisure park, near Northallerton. Mothers and grandmothers gathered for the special event which raised over £140 for the Garbrielle Alderson appeal. A further toddle is being held on Friday to raise more funds.

Gabrielle, from South Otterington, near Northallerton, has high risk neuroblastoma. She has had extensive chemotherapy and her mum, Vicki, launched an appeal to help raise £500,000 to give her daughter the chance to travel abroad for live saving treatment if she needs it, which is not available on the NHS.

If Gabrielle does not need the funds, the money will go to support other children with neuroblastoma.

Lindsay Holmes, chairwoman of Romanby toddlers, said: "We just felt it was a hugely important charity to support and it was a chance for the children to have some fun.

"We had toddlers from 11 months to three years doing the event and they managed really well, it is a long trek round that leisure park, especially when you’ve only got little legs.

“We’ll be out again on Friday and there are other events over the year when we hope to raise more money for Gabrielle.”