A HEREFORDSHIRE schoolgirl's zipped lips have raised much-needed charity funds.

Steiner Academy pupil Amelie Evans, 11, decided to raise money for an important local cause through a two-day sponsored silence.

And before mentioning it to her parents, the determined young fundraiser had already received permission from her teachers during the school day.

Amelie wore a sign around her neck explaining why she was doing a sponsored silence and asking people to give generously for The Born Sleeping Appeal.

Her efforts raised a grand total of £148, which will go towards the furnishing of the new maternity bereavement at Hereford County Hospital.