A WEST Cumbrian church has raised more than £550 for the Special Care Baby Unit.

St James’s church had a memory tree during the advent period for people to hang tags to remember loved ones.

About 200 people took part in the initiative, which ended yesterday (Monday).

The cash, £561.49 which has been given to the unit at the West Cumberland Hospital, was also raised with the church’s Big Sing.

Teachers and pupils of St James Infant and Junior Schools came together for a concert organised by the Reverend Robert Jackson.

Anne Blamire, on behalf of the Parish of Whitehaven, said: “The children were magnificent, they were all energetic, they knew their songs and the church was packed.

“The teachers spent a lot of time preparing for this, it was very well-attended.”