A schoolgirl's artistic talents brought a barbecue picnic treat for youngsters at Acorns Children's Hospice in Worcester.

Emma James, aged eight, from Lyde, Hereford, won a barbecue in an art competition for her embossed strawberry montage at Trinity Primary School - and promptly gave it to Acorns. She said: "My mummy supports Acorns, so I decided to give it to them." Mum Claire said: "It's so like Emma - I'm proud of her. She's grown up helping Acorns, and does a lot of fund-raising for the hospice. We'll be supporting Acorns with a raffle at a Dolls House Fair at 10. 30am on October 15 at Bartestree Village Hall." Claire and Wye Valley Miniaturists have raised a total of £9,500 for the children's hospice.

Angela Mercer, head nurse at the hospice in Worcester, said: "We are tremendously grateful to Emma for all her hard work, and for giving us this barbeque which all the children will be able to enjoy. It is so heartening that Emma, at only eight years old, is thinking of all the children who use Acorns."

l An-open air concert to support Acorns' families is being staged next month in Hereford. Local band Freezone and Swedish band Gooze are playing in a charity concert at the Left Bank at 8pm on September 15 to benefit the hospice, which supports families of children in Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Tickets at can be purchased from the Left Bank or direct from the mayor on 01432 260438.