Children donned their best hats to raise money in memory of a seven-year-old boy who died of a brain tumour.

Pupils and teachers at Goldbeaters Primary School, in Thirleby Road, Edgware, took part in national Wear a Hat Day for children's charity Charlie Charges On.

The cause was set up last year by parents Karen Carter-Bates and Dean Bates, of Warrens Shawe Lane, Edgware, after their “bubbly and amazing” son, Charlie, died in 2010.

Principal Chris Flathers said the Goldbeaters community wanted to dedicate the day to chairman of governors Sue Hinton, whose son, a former pupil, also recently died of a brain tumour.

The event was organised by PE teacher Hayley McNamara, who encouraged pupils at Goldbeaters and its sister school in the Gold Star Federation the Orion Primary School to wear hats to lessons.

So far, they have raised £500.

Ms McNamara said: “I was shocked to find out that brain tumours are the biggest killer of children in the UK. This charity does such important work so I wanted to do something to help.

“If more money went into research then Charlie might still be here today. I didn’t think this many people would join in, but there has been so much support from pupils, staff and parents.

“It’s vital for the kids to understand why we are doing this and why it is so important. Now they really want to help.”

Head of PE Catherine Jones said: "I'm am very proud of Miss McNamara and the parents & children for coming together for this great cause. We have a very supportive community here at The Gold Star Federation and raising awareness and money for good causes is always well turned out here."

Children also said they thoroughly enjoyed the day.

Year 6 pupils Ray and Suwetta hoped ‘Wear a Hat Day’ would help sick children.

Ray said: “Today is important because people at a really young age can die from brain tumours but by doing this we can help.”

Year one pupil Libby, who wore a ‘Cat in the Hat’-inspired headpiece said: “I like wearing it because I get to show everyone the amazing effort I made.”