ROSS-on-Wye residents have built a Noah's Ark to help bereaved children in Herefordshire.

Kath Ablett and friends from Woodside Day Care Centre raffled off the animals two-by-two to raise money for Noah's Ark Trust, a charity which offers support to children suffering from a bereavement.

Caroline Merrick, a carer at the centre, said: "Kath made the animals out of pom poms, with knitted ears.

"This started off as an activity but it was great to see everyone get out of themselves and join in to help these children."

The raffle raised £60 - enough to pay for a balloon launch at the end of a residential weekend, with each carrying a message from a child to a lost parent.

The Noah's Ark Trust offers advice on funerals, how to recognise and deal with the emotions and symptoms of grief and how to remember the person who has died.

Caroline Clarke, from the trust, said: "When the time's right, they're encouraged to meet other children in the same boat, on activity weekends and evenings out, to help with something really important - to laugh and have fun again."

Noah's Ark Trust opens a new office in Hereford in April.

Anyone who would like to help can call 01432 264555.