A TEA party helped children learn the skills needed to cope with losing someone they love.

Pupils at Simms Cross Primary School on Kingsway hosted an elephant’s tea party with Child Bereavement UK.

The event included a cake sale and special visit from the charity’s mascot Hetty the elephant.

It allowed staff the resources to help pupils explore the subject of bereavement in a simple way they could understand.

This is the second time the school has held a party which raised £200 for the charity.

Headteacher Lesley Feakes said: "It was a very successful afternoon.

“We value the support many of our families receive through Child Bereavement UK.

“Through this my staff have been able to access training and skills to support the pupils more effectively.”

Year six pupil Katie Gourlay said: “Child Bereavement UK have and continue to support me after the death of my father two years ago.

“They help me to release all my feelings and the elephant’s tea party is a great event that helps to lift the weight from my shoulders."

Child Bereavement UK which has a centre on High Street, Runcorn, supports families when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying, or when a child is facing bereavement.