CHILDREN in north Hampshire have been |challenged to design an eye-catching logo for an ambitious fundraising campaign for a children’s unit.

Charlie’s Day Care Unit in Basingstoke hospital is seeking to raise £350,000 in two years to help meet an increasing demand and the needs of those who use it.

But first the charity campaign needs a brand – and local primary school pupils have been invited to get creative.

Trish Le Fluffy, of head of nursing for children’s health, said: “The unit is used by children and young people so we thought we would involve them in the development of this project. We want to see a fun logo that will give the campaign an identity.”

The winning design will be reprinted on campaign leaflets, posters, newspapers and online.

Runners-up will see their work taking pride of place in the new and improved ward.

Louise Hight, head of art at Daneshill Preparatory School, in Stratfield Turgis, said she expected pupils would rise to the challenge, given the right encouragement.

She said: “It is great to have children involved with a meaningful campaign like this because it teaches them to realise that there are people less fortunate then them.”

The day unit, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, was one of the first in its kind. It allows children with medical conditions to receive care without having to be referred or admitted to hospital.

But the unit urgently needs updating, with plans including new waiting areas for teenagers, quiet spaces for parents plus more cubicles for children with|suspected infectious conditions.

The deadline for pupils to send in their entries is December 12. Further details are available by contacting Trish Le Fluffy on 01256 313093.