NURSERY staff helped raised more than £700 as they rowed the distance from London to Scotland.

The Hillside Playcare Centre in Hall Road, Southminster, is supporting charity Row Aurora, run by Burnham woman Dawn Wood.

Next year Ms Wood plans to row 3,000 miles solo across the Atlantic Ocean, hoping to beat the record of 49 days.

Earlier this month, the nursery had a themed week and children learnt about plastic in the ocean and took part in creating planters out of recycled plastic.

Staff then took on a rowing challenge and raised £797, with the team collectively rowing 382 miles - the distance from London to Scotland.

Nursery manager Sammy Hopkins said: “It’s been really inspiring to see the children so interested in the topic of sea pollution and recycling.

“I’m so proud of our team, and so grateful for every penny people have spared to donate.”

The nursery will now have their logo on the side of Ms Wood’s boat.

Ms Wood said: “I was absolutely overwhelmed at the effort they were going through to support my challenge.

“Not only did they pledge to raise £250, but they also taught the children about plastics pollution in our oceans and involved them in arts and crafts made from recycled materials.

“This was such a brilliant effort from everyone and I was really pleased to be able to pop in to meet everyone.”